The World Health Organization (WHO) has reversed its stance on face masks, now agreeing with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), saying masks should be worn in public to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
New information shows masks can provide “a barrier for potentially infectious droplets,” according to the organization, which previously said there was not enough evidence to say that healthy people should wear masks.
“In light of evolving evidence, the WHO advises that governments should encourage the general public to wear masks where there is widespread transmission and physical distancing is difficult, such as on public transport, in shops or in other confined or crowded environments,” WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Friday.
Choose the right mask fabric
The WHO recommends a minimum of three layers of non-stretch fabric for non-medical masks, constructed as follows:
– an innermost layer of cotton or cotton blends;
– an outermost layer of polypropylene, polyester or their blends, which may limit external contamination from penetration through to the wearer’s nose and mouth;
– a middle layer of synthetic non-woven material such as polypropylene or a cotton layer which may enhance filtration or retain droplets.
Source: World Health Organization
According to the CDC, a “significant portion of individuals with coronavirus” do not experience symptoms. As a result, these individuals can unknowingly spread the virus to those around them. Cloth face coverings can help prevent those who may have COVID-19 and not know it from spreading the virus, as well as keep healthy people from inhaling it.
The CDC continues to urge people to remain at home as much as possible and practice social distancing, remaining 6 feet away from all others to help prevent spread of COVID-19.
WHO and the CDC each have links showing the proper way to put on, wear and remove a face covering.
Additional prevention tips include:
- Wash your hands often
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Avoid nonessential travel
For general information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit Florida Health, email covid-19@flhealth.gov or call 866-779-6121.
