Fabric masks should have 3 layers – New WHO guidelines

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has directed that approved fabric masks should consist of at least three layers of different materials.

Director-General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a televised address said his outfit has conducted research to arrive at the evolving evidence.

According to him, masks should not be a substitute for the safety protocols published to protect one from contracting the virus.

“Masks are not a replacement for physical distancing, hand hygiene and other public health measures,” he advised.

Touching on who should wear face mask, Dr Adhanom Ghebreyesus said medical masks shouldn’t be limited to only health workers dealing with patients with Covid-19 but should include, all staff of health facilities.

He also advised that, people with underlying health conditions and the individuals above age 60 should always wear medial masks.

“In light with evolving evidence, WHO advises that, government should encourage the general public to wear masks where there is widespread transmission and physical distancing is difficult. Such as on public transports, in shops, or in other confined or crowded environments.”