[ad_1]
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated guidelines on wearing the coronavirus mask for the first time in nearly six months. In the update, the health agency advises wearing a mask as part of a “comprehensive package of prevention and control measures” to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“A mask alone, even when used correctly, is insufficient to provide adequate protection or control at the source,” according to the Dec. 1 guidelines. “Other infection prevention and control (IPC) measures include hand hygiene, physical separation of at least 1 meter, avoiding touching your face, respiratory etiquette, adequate indoor ventilation, testing, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation. “
One meter equals approximately 3 feet.
The agency further said that depending on the type of mask used, it can “be used either for the protection of healthy people or to prevent transmission (source control)”. WHO recommends that anyone with suspected or confirmed coronavirus wear the mask in the presence of others and that proper use, storage, cleaning and disposal are essential for effectiveness.
CDC SHORTS THE QUARANTINE PERIOD OF CORONAVIRUS EXPOSURE
In public, the agency advises using a risk-based approach to the use of masks.
“In areas of known or suspected SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the community or in clusters: WHO advises the general public to wear a non-medical mask in shared indoor workplaces, schools or outdoors where a physical distance of at least 1 meter is maintained ”, state the guidelines. “If indoors, unless ventilation has been found to be adequate, WHO advises the general public to wear a non-medical mask, that it is possible to maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter. “
Regarding children, the agency does not recommend the use of the mask for children under 5 years old. Many US states have recommended the use of the mask in children over 2 years of age.
EU REBUDS APPROVAL OF PFIZER CORONAVIRUS VACCINE IN UK
“Children under the age of 5 should not wear masks for source control,” the WHO guidelines say. “For children 6 to 11 years old, a risk-based approach should be applied to the decision to use a mask; factors to consider in the risk-based approach include the intensity of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, the child’s ability to comply with the appropriate use of masks, and the availability of appropriate adult supervision, the local social and cultural environment and specific contexts such as elderly parents’ households or schools. “
The agency noted that information regarding the ever-changing transmission of the coronavirus based on new studies and data made available, and as such, the guidelines need to be reviewed and updated.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
WHO has also been careful to note that at this time, face shields are not considered equivalent to masks when it comes to droplet respiratory protection or source control. In situations where a mask is not available or there are difficulties in wearing a face mask, this may prove to be an inferior alternative.
[ad_2]
Source link