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(CNN) – On Tuesday, the World Health Organization updated its guidelines on the use of masks and recommended that people 12 years of age and older living in areas where COVID-19 spreads to wear masks at the inside or outside where it is not. a physical distance of at least 1 meter possible.
“The mask alone, even when used correctly, is not sufficient to provide adequate protection or source control. Other infection prevention and control (ICP) measures include hand hygiene, physical distance of at least 1 meter, avoid touching the face, breathing label, adequate ventilation indoors, testing, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation, “he said. said the new WHO study.
WHO also recommends wearing a mask when people visit your home if there is not adequate ventilation or the ability to maintain a distance of 2 meters.
Additionally, WHO suggests that people at increased risk for severe complications of the virus should wear medical masks when it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter. They also recommended the “universal” use of medical masks in healthcare settings, including when treating other patients, as well as with visitors and when gathering in common areas such as canteens and staff rooms.
However, for children, WHO advises that children up to age 5 should not wear source control masks and for children aged 6 to 11 a risk-based approach should be applied.
Regarding the use of non-medical masks, the WHO states that homemade cloth masks should have a three-layer structure (depending on the fabric used), while factory-made cloth masks must meet minimum thresholds related to three essential parameters: filtration, breathability and wearability. Exhalation valves are not recommended because they impede the filtration function of the cloth mask, rendering it useless for source control.
Finally, the WHO states that people who engage in strenuous physical activity should not wear masks, citing some associated risks, particularly for people with asthma.
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