OREANDA-NEWS. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not changed the basic recommendations for the use of medical masks during the pandemic of the coronavirus infection. They must be worn by doctors and sick people, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference in Geneva.

“We understand that some countries have recommended or are considering the use of both medical and non-medical masks in the general population to prevent the spread of COVID-19. First and foremost, medical masks must be prioritized for health workers on the front lines of the response,” he said. According to Ghebreyesus, this is necessary to protect doctors from infection. However, masks are in short supply. “We are concerned that the mass use of medical masks by the general population could exacerbate the shortage of these specialized masks for the people who need them most. In some places, these shortages are putting health workers in real danger. In health care facilities, WHO continues to recommend the use of medical masks, respirators and other personal protective equipment for health workers. In the community, we recommend the use of medical masks by people who are sick and those who are caring for a sick person at home,” the WHO head added.