The use of masks according to WHO

The next step in the gradual relaxation of anti-Covid-19 measures in Spain could be the obligatory use of facemasks.

The compulsory use of masks - providing there are stocks available - has been a controversial issue, especially after Spain health authorities clearly told the public in the early stages of the pandemic that these were 'useless, unless the person wearing them was infected and to avoid transmitting it to others'.

But the controversy is by no means local to Spain and WHO officials themselves have first advised against general use (mainly due to the lack of them) and are now saying it would be a 'sensible measure'.

Logically if the correct masks are used by everyone (not all are effective), the virus that spreads by means of micro-drops of human fluids produced by coughing and sneezing would be contained and thus not spread.

So what's the WHO's official advice? On its Covid-19 website the WHO gives the following adivce regarding the use of facemasks.

Only wear a mask if you are ill with Covid-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have Covid-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.

WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources and mis-use of masks (as Costa Blanca News printed on this page last week).

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. See basic protective measures against the new coronavirus for more information.