WHO issues new recommendations on wearing masks to protect against coronavirus

WHO recommends that people's belief that simply wearing a mask can prevent the acute pneumonia epidemic caused by the new coronavirus is completely wrong.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has just released a new document recommending the use of masks in the community, at home and in medical facilities in the context of the widespread outbreak of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus (nCoV) .

WHO said these recommendations will be continuously updated and revised as new data becomes available.

Mask alone does not guarantee your life

According to WHO, with current information, the new coronavirus (nCoV) is transmitted through droplets or close contact with an infected person within a radius of 1 meter.

Therefore, wearing a medical mask is one of the measures to prevent and limit the spread of acute pneumonia in areas with infected people.

WHO emphasizes that in addition to using masks, it is necessary to combine hand washing with soap and many other anti-infection measures to prevent acute pneumonia caused by the new corona virus.

'However, using a mask alone is not enough to ensure effective protection, instead it needs to be combined with many other preventive measures ,' WHO emphasized.

Specifically, in addition to wearing masks, people need to combine regular hand washing with soap as well as implementing many other infection prevention measures to prevent the virus from spreading from person to person.

Also according to WHO, wearing masks when not prescribed can cause unnecessary waste, create a shopping burden and, more dangerously, create a sense of 'false' peace of mind that makes people neglect other preventive measures.

In addition, improper use of masks will not be effective in protecting (putting on and taking off many times, touching the front of the mask to remove it, etc.).

For each target group, WHO gives specific recommendations to prevent the new coronavirus.

People without respiratory symptoms

• Avoid crowded places.
• Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter when in contact with people with symptoms of coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap if your hands are dirty. If they are not contaminated with body fluids or dirt, you can dry your hands with alcohol.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue and practice hand hygiene.
• Avoid touching your mouth and nose.
• There is no need to wear a medical mask because there is no scientific evidence of its protective benefits for people who are not sick. However, depending on habits or culture, wearing a mask must be done properly. When disposing of it, hold the 2 straps and remove it, then clean your hands thoroughly.

People with respiratory symptoms

WHO recommends wearing medical masks and immediately going to medical facilities for examination if having symptoms of fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

In cases with suspected signs of illness but due to special conditions cannot be treated at the hospital, in addition to wearing masks and regular hand hygiene, WHO recommends keeping a distance of at least 1 meter from people in contact; should have separate containers for secretions and personal waste; improve indoor air flow by opening windows as much as possible.

The above measures also apply to relatives of people with the disease.

In addition to how to wear a medical mask properly, please refer to: