By A Agüera
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has published new recommendations on masks to protect against the coronavirus pandemic, especially regarding their use in closed spaces and during physical exercise , as well as what types of cloth masks really work or their use by the little ones in the house .
According to the international organization, in areas with community transmission of COVID-19, non-medical masks should always be used by the general public in closed places such as shops, workplaces and schools if there is no ventilation that has been assessed as adequate or if a physical distance of at least one meter cannot be maintained.
It is therefore recommended to wear them indoors if you are with people who do not live in the same house, unless good ventilation can be ensured. If ventilation does not meet the requirements of national institutions regarding SARS-COV2 in terms of temperature and humidity, for example, masks should always be used as a preventive measure .
In outdoor settings, the WHO maintains its recommendation to use non-medical, three-layer cloth masks with a filter in the middle if it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least one metre.
In the new guidance, experts advise against using face coverings with valves , commonly used by construction workers, which they warn could cause infected aerosols to be expelled if the person is sick.
For any type of mask, proper use, storage and cleaning or disposal are essential to ensure they are as effective as possible and to avoid increased risk of transmission. Adherence to correct mask handling practices varies, reinforcing the need for appropriate messaging from authorities, WHO warns.