The widespread adoption of face masks makes sense in countries where other preventive measures against the coronavirus are difficult to adopt, the World Health Organizations boss, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said Monday.
While falling short of making a general recommendation, the statement is something of a U-turn for the WHO. Previously, the organization said that masks should be restricted to medical personnel and those infected.
Indeed, in todays comments, the WHO chief acknowledged that mask use could cause shortages for those who need them the most.
But in countries where other virus containment measures are difficult to follow, perhaps due to lack of space or clean water, masks could be an appropriate alternative, he explained, noting that the WHO will be publishing guidelines on appropriate uses.
Ghebreyesus added that masks must be also part of a broader package of intervention, rather than providing a panacea.
“Masks or no masks, there are proven things we can all do,” he said, recommending that people keep their distance, wash their hands, sneeze in theirRead More – Source
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