While the covid-19 is spreading to every corner in the world, Yassin said a lot of people have been misinformed about the use of masks.
This is coming from CDC as well, the people who are not sick, do not need masks at this time, he said, adding that, “The main purpose for the mask is if you feel that you might be sick and don’t want to risk sneezing on other people.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health organisations have also recommended that face mask should be used by only symptomatic persons, adding that those without symptoms should not use a face mask.
According to WHO people without respiratory symptoms in the community should not wear medical masks, as currently there is no evidence that routine use of medical masks by healthy individuals prevents 2019-nCoV transmission.
It said, “Masks are recommended to be used by symptomatic persons in the community. Misuse and overuse of medical masks may cause serious issues of shortage of stocks and lack of mask availability for those who actually need to wear them.
“In health care facilities where health care workers are directly taking care of suspect or confirmed 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease patients, masks are an important part of containing 2019-nCoV spread between people, along with hand hygiene.”
In the same vein, the use of a medical mask is advised for those who have respiratory symptoms like coughing or sneezing to protect others, says UNICEF, adding that If one doesn’t have any symptoms, then there is no need to wear a mask.
The organisation added that “If masks are worn, they must be used and disposed of properly to ensure their effectiveness and to avoid any increased risk of transmitting the virus.
The use of a mask alone is not enough to stop infections and must be combined with frequent hand washing, covering sneezes and coughs, and avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and fever.”
