Advice on the use of masks in the community, during home care and in healthcare settings in the context of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, 19 March 2020

Abstract

Background: This document provides rapid advice on the use of medical masks in communities, at home, and in health care facilities in areas that have reported outbreaks of COVID-19. It is intended for public health and infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals, health care managers, health care workers, and community health workers. It will be revised as more data become available. Current information suggests that the route of human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 is either via respiratory droplets or contact. Any person who is within 1 metre (in close contact) of someone who has respiratory symptoms (e.g. sneezing, coughing, etc.) is at risk of being exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets. Medical masks are surgical or procedure masks that are flat or pleated (some are shaped like cups); they are affixed to the head with straps.