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W.H.O guidelines on When and how to use masks for coronavirus disease prevention

As on 23rd March 2020
When to use a mask
• If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
• Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask
• Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
• Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
• To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Reference:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks, W.H.O website available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-f... accessed on 23rd March 2020 at 2:53 PM

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