Coronavirus: WHO to review guidelines around face masks amid new evidence

Current guidance covers those with or looking after someone with Covid-19 symptoms

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is set to review its advice on when to wear face masks during the coronavirus pandemic in light of new evidence.

Under current guidance, only people with coronavirus symptoms or looking after someone with suspected Covid-19 have been told to wear masks to cover their mouth and nose.

However, a group of experts will discuss whether this should change following a new study from Hong Kong, whose findings appear to show face masks can help protect members of the public.

Professor David Heymann from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said: “As always when new evidence becomes available, WHO will be considering its face mask policies as a routine activity this week and next.”

He said advisory groups – including the one he chairs – will offer recommendations, and the final decision will likely take into account the global availability of face masks under the current guidelines.

Currently, the WHO advises only those with symptoms – including a persistent dry cough or fever – should wear a face mask, as well as those caring for them.

Masks worn by sick people protect others from the infection by the droplets that come out when they cough or sneeze.

The WHO guidelines say surgical masks can only help when used with other preventative measures such as frequent hand washing.

The review follows a study from Hong Kong – shared with the global health body but not yet made public as of Thursday – which appears to suggest face masks can help stop the spread the rate of infection among the general population.

But infectious disease specialist Professor David Heymann cautioned that recommendations on masks are difficult due to problems with them being worn incorrectly or not properly disposed of.

Countries around the world have reported shortages of face masks amid surging demand during the pandemic.

Fashion houses have said their factories would start producing masks, while some health professionals in the US have resorted to making their own makeshift protective equipment.

Some Asian countries and a handful of European nations – including Austria and the Czech Republic - have said everyone must wear a face mask in public as many people show no symptoms when infected with Covid-19.

More than 935,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus internationally, according to a Reuters global count.

Meanwhile, at least 46,900 have died after officially contracting the disease.

Additional reporting by Press Association