Entity recommends that everyone wear masks in areas where social distancing is not possible. The use of masks does not dispense, however, with other public health measures, such as social distancing.
The World Health OrganizationOMS) released, this Friday (5), new guidelines for the use and manufacture of cloth masks for protection against Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
The entity expanded the circumstances in which masks must be used and detailed the materials that work best to contain the spread of the disease.
As news Recommendations are:
- O use of masks by everyone where there is widespread transmission of the disease and in situations where social distancing is not possible, such as on public transport;
- In areas with community transmission, the recommendation is that people aged 60 and over or with pre-existing conditions use medical masks in situations where physical distancing is not possible;
- In areas with widespread transmission, WHO advises medical masks for all people who work in clinical areas of a health unit, not just for workers dealing with Covid-19 patients.
“This means, for example, that when a doctor conducts a consultation in cardiology or palliative care units where there are no confirmed Covid-19 patients, they should still wear a medical mask,” explained the organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Man wears mask as protection against Covid-19 while waiting at a bus stop in Manchester, England, this Friday (5). — Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP
WHO technical lead Maria van Kerkhove also reminded about the importance of using special accessories, such as respirators, for healthcare professionals who are close to procedures that generate aerosols (small droplets of saliva in the air).
As Recommendations previous of the entity remain valid:
- Sick people with Covid-19 symptoms must stay at home and consult a doctor;
- People with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 must be isolated and treated in a healthcare facility, and their contacts must be placed in quarantine;
- If it is absolutely necessary for a sick person or someone who has had contact with them to leave the house, they must wear a medical mask;
- People caring for an infected person at home should wear a medical mask while in the same room as the sick person;
- Healthcare professionals must use medical masks and other protective equipment when dealing with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 patients.
Manufacturing
In the May 13 photo, Gary Stokes, founder of the environmental group Oceans Asia, holds masks he found in a residential area near a beach in Hong Kong. — Photo: Anthony Wallace / AFP
The entity has released new guidelines on the material what should be made of fabric masks:
- Masks should ideally have, at least three layers of fabric;
- The layer exterior it must be made of a material water-resistant, like polypropylene, polyester or a mixture of them;
- The layer of medium must act as a filter and it can be made of a synthetic material, such as polypropylene, or an extra layer of cotton;
- The layer interior it must be made of a material that absorb water like cotton.
Instructions for use
See how to use the mask correctly during the coronavirus pandemic
WHO also released a video (in English) with instructions on the proper way to use masks:
- Before using the mask, Wash your hands with soap and water or you use hand sanitizer;
- Examine the mask before putting it on: if it is damaged or dirty, do not use;
- Put the mask on so that it cover your mouth, nose and chin. Make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask;
- Do not touch the mask while using, to avoid contamination;
- If you accidentally touch the mask, Clean your hands;
- Before removing the mask, Clean your hands with alcohol or wash them with soap and water;
- When removing the mask, lean forward slightly and grab the mask elastic hair ties, behind the ear, without touching the front;
- After removing it, wash your hands again;
- If the mask is made of fabric, wash it with soap and water, preferably hot.
Masks are not enough, WHO warns
Maria van Kerkhove, technical lead for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme — Photo: Christopher Black/WHO
When releasing the new guidelines, the entity reinforced that masks alone are not enough to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Their use must be accompanied by other public health measures, such as maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently.
“We recommend that masks be part of a comprehensive package,” recalled WHO technical lead Maria van Kerkhove.
She highlighted the need for Sick people, stay home., suspected cases are tested, confirmed cases be isolated and treated, and contacts of confirmed cases be traced and quarantined.
In his opening speech, Tedros also reiterated the need for other measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“I can't say this more clearly: masks on their own will not protect you from Covid-19,” warned the director-general.
“Masks are not a replacement for physical distancing, hand hygiene, and other public health measures. They are beneficial only as part of a comprehensive approach in the fight against Covid-19, he said.
“The basis of the response in all countries must be to find, isolate, test, and care for all cases, as well as to trace and quarantine all contacts. This is what we know works. This is every country's best defense against Covid-19, he stated.
SOURCE:
GLOBO.COM
