World Health Organisation updates guidelines on wearing masks

The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its guidance on the use of masks.
The new guidelines incorporate new research findings.

Also read: Infographic: To wear or not to wear? The Covid-19 mask quandary unpacked

The guidelines provide information on the use of medical masks by health workers and other groups, and presents specific details on the use of non-medical masks for the general public in areas where Covid-19 is widespread.

Additionally, WHO said the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against the disease.
In the updated Q and A section on www.who.int, the organisation said masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives.
The use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against Covid-19.
Other measures detailed by WHO are; a minimum physical distance of at least one metre from others, frequently washing hands and avoiding contact with the facial area.
Medical masks can protect people wearing the mask from getting infected, as well as can prevent those who have symptoms from spreading them.

Also read: Covid-19: Make your own mask using a scarf for those quick trips to the shops (video)

WHO recommends the following groups use medical masks.
• Health workers
• Anyone with symptoms suggestive of Covid-19, including people with mild symptoms
• People caring for suspect or confirmed cases of Covid-19 outside of health facilities.
Medical masks are also recommended for these at-risk people, when they are in areas of widespread transmission and they cannot guarantee a distance of at least one metre from others:
• People aged 60 or over
• People of any age with underlying health conditions.

Non-medical or fabric masks are being used by many people in public areas, but there has been limited evidence on their effectiveness and WHO does not recommend their widespread use among the public for control of Covid-19.

However, for areas of widespread transmission, with limited capacity for implementing control measures and especially in settings where physical distancing of at least one metre is not possible; such as on public transport, in shops or in other confined or crowded environments; WHO advises governments to encourage the general public to use non-medical fabric masks.

Also read: Blueprints for Covid-19 testing and treatment hospital ready and waiting

There are, however, potential risks and disadvantages that should be taken into account in any decision-making process on the use of masks:
• Non-medical or fabric masks could increase potential for Covid-19 to infect a person if the mask is contaminated by dirty hands and touched often, or kept on other parts of the face or head and then placed back over the mouth and nose
• Depending on the type of mask used, could cause difficulty in breathing
• They can lead to facial skin breakdown
• They can lead to difficulty with communicating clearly
• They can be uncomfortable to wear.

Also read: Covid-19: Compassionate chefs produce over 36 000 meals a week for communities

According to WHO, it is possible that mask use, with unclear benefits, could create a false sense of security in the wearer, leading to diminished practice of recognised beneficial preventive measures such as physical distancing and hand hygiene.
WHO is studying and encouraging research on the science of masks.

New research findings identified the following preferable types of fabrics, number of layers and the composition of a non-medical, fabric mask:
• An inner layer of absorbent material such as cotton
• A middle layer of non-woven material such as polypropylene
• An outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as polyester or polyester blend
Those making use of non-medical masks should make sure to construct or purchase a mask that lets you breathe while talking and walking briskly.

Watch:

Using a fabric mask:
• Clean your hands before putting on the mask.
• Inspect the mask for tears or holes, do not use a mask that is damaged.
• Adjust the mask to cover your mouth, nose, and chin, leaving no gaps on the sides.
• Avoid touching the mask while wearing it.
• Change your mask if it gets dirty or wet.
• Clean your hands before taking off the mask.
• Take off the mask by removing it from the ear loops, without touching the front of the mask.
• Clean your hands after removing the mask.

Caring for a fabric mask:
• If your fabric mask is not dirty or wet and you plan to reuse it, put it in a clean plastic, resealable bag. If you need to use it again, hold the mask at the elastic loops when removing it from the bag.
• Wash fabric masks in soap or detergent and preferably hot water (at least 60 degrees) at least once a day.
• If hot water is not available, wash the mask in soap/detergent and room-temperature water, followed by either boiling the mask for 1 minute or; by soaking the mask in 0.1 per cent chlorine for 1 minute and thoroughly rinsing the mask with room temperature water (there should not be any toxic residue of chlorine on the mask).
• Make sure you have your own mask and do not share it with others.

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.