Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there has been a debate around wearing a mask. Who should be wearing masks? Where should they be worn? How do they function in spreading the virus? What should they be made of? Are they actually effective? Needless to say, it has been a touch confusing. To help clear up that confusion, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently released a new set of guidelines for people to better understand the purpose of masks and fabric masks, when, and how to wear one.

New WHO Guidelines for Wearing Fabric Masks

As the pandemic has unfolded, the WHO has been constantly doing research to ensure they are putting out the most correct and relevant information that they can. Recent research has allowed the organization to nail down exactly what a mask needs to be made of and how it needs to be constructed in order to provide a fully-functioning barrier against COVID-19. (1, 2)

It has been determined that masks need to be constructed of three layers (1, 2)

1) Absorptive inner layer
2) Filter middle layer
3) Non-absorbent outer layer

It is imperative that the layers are in that order to effectively prevent the spread of the virus. (1, 2)

Read: Vintage Photos of People Wearing Masks to Protect Themselves during The 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic

More Mask Wearing Guidelines

Even if you have a properly made mask, it doesn’t do much good if you don’t wear it properly. Along with mask construction guidelines, the WHO also released more information on how, when, and where to wear a mask (1, 2):

• All medical workers should wear a mask, regardless if they are working on a COVID unit or clinic.
• Anyone in any setting where appropriate physical distancing (6 feet/2 meters apart) is not possible should wear a mask. This includes:
  • In shops and stores
  • On public transit, taxi, Uber, etc.
  • Home-care situations of the elderly or other family members
• Masks should cover the mouth and nose.
• Wearers should avoid touching their masks.
• Masks should be clean – either washed regularly or replaced often.

For more information on the WHO’s guidelines to mask-wearing and cleaning, you can download their update guide here. For further information, you can also visit their webpage on When and How To Use A Mask.

Read: What if we’ve all been primed?

Mask Do Not Prevent Coronavirus

One of the biggest misconceptions is that as long as you are wearing a mask, you are protected from the virus. This is not true, and the WHO still strongly advises the public to practice social distancing in accordance with the regulations set by their government. This is especially important for the elderly, the immunocompromised, and anyone who regularly comes into contact with those people. If you test positive or someone you have been in contact with tests positive for the virus, it is necessary to practice self-isolation in order to prevent spreading the disease to others. Seek medical help if required. (1, 2)

The WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus can not state enough the importance of remember that mask are only one part of the solution.

“Masks alone will not protect you from COVID-19. Masks are not a replacement for physical distancing, hand hygiene, and other public health measures… Masks are only of benefit as part of a comprehensive approach in the fight against COVID-19. The cornerstone of the response in every country must be to find, isolate, test, and care for every case, and to trace and quarantine every contact. That’s what we know works.” (1)

The Bottom Line

The brief version of all of this information is:

• Wear a properly-made mask when in situations where physical distancing is not possible
• Continue to practice physical distancing
• Wash your hands often, avoid touching your face and mask, and clean or replace your mask frequently.

Stay safe everyone.

Keep Reading: The risk levels of everyday activities like dining out, going to the gym, and getting a haircut, according to an infectious-disease expert

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