#Breaking : WHO Updates Guidance on Mask use in the context of COVID-19

Amalendu Upadhyaya
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World Health Organziation advice on the use of masks

COVID-19: Infection prevention and control

New Delhi, 02nd December 2020. WHO has updated its guidance on the use of masks with new scientific evidence and practical advice to decision makers. This is the fourth update of WHO mask guidance. The most recent previous one was Advice on the use of mask for children in the context of COVID-19 published on 21 August.

This 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.

This updated version includes a section on Advice to decision-makers on the use of masks for healthy people in community settings.

Key messages of Updated Guidance of WHO on Mask use in COVID-19

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.

The main changes, in particular in areas of community or cluster transmission, is more wide use of masks in health care facilities and specifics on using non-medical masks for the general public.

In areas of known or suspected community or cluster COVID-19 transmission, WHO advises 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.

When not to wear a mask

WHO has suggested that do not wear masks during vigorous physical activity, and not to use masks with valves.

Children aged up to five years should not wear masks for source control.

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