WHO issues new guidelines for masks in context of Covid-19

The World Health Organization (WHO), on Wednesday released an updated guideline on wearing masks to tackle with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The update provides advice on the use of masks in communities, during home care, and in health care settings in areas that have reported cases of Covid-19, said a press release.  

Following the advice of using mask for children in the context of Covid-19 published on 21 August, the latest is the fourth update of WHO mask guidance.

It is intended for individuals in the community, public health and infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals, health care managers, health care workers (HCWs), and community health workers. The updated version includes a section on Advice to decision makers on the use of masks for healthy people in community settings, the press release added.

Masks should be used as part of comprehensive package of measures that help to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Hand hygiene before putting on and after removing the mask, as well as appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal of are essential to ensure masks are effective.

In areas of known or suspected community or cluster Covid-19 transmission, WHO advised people to wear a mask, in indoor or in outdoor settings, where physical distancing of at least 1 meter cannot be maintained.

When indoors with others, people should wear a mask unless ventilation has been assessed to be adequate. At home, people should wear a mask when receiving visitors if they cannot maintain distance or assess that ventilation is good, the guideline said.

It recommended not wearing masks during vigorous physical activity, and not to use masks with valves.

WHO also provided more detailed guidance on what types of fabrics to use in making fabric masks.