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The evidence remains clear that maintaining a two-metre
distance and good hand hygiene is the most effective way
to protect yourself and others from contracting
coronavirus, but the updated guidance from the WHO says
three layer face coverings could help provide some
control of the virus in specific circumstances.
This updated advice only applies to people who are not
showing symptoms of coronavirus. People who are
symptomatic must self-isolate for seven days and get a
test, as set out in existing guidance. Unless the test
shows a negative result, they must not go out during this
time, even with a face covering or mask.
Health Minister said: “Washing your
hands, avoiding touching your face and maintaining a
tw-metre distance from others remain the best way of
stopping the spread of the virus.
“On Friday, the WHO updated their guidance on face
coverings, advising that they should be considered in
settings where maintaining social distancing is
difficult. However, to be crystal clear, wearing a face
covering does not replace the need for social distancing
or washing your hands regularly.
“Further scientific evidence is needed on the benefits to
the wider public of wearing face coverings, but
observational findings so far suggest that homemade or
purchased three-layer face-coverings might reduce
transmission from one person to another if made, worn,
handled and disposed of properly.
“Therefore, on balance, we are recommending to the people
of Wales that three-layer face-coverings should be used
in situations where social distancing measures can be
more difficult to achieve, for example, on public
transport. We are not recommending their use outdoors.
“The wearing of face coverings will not be mandatory, but
we will encourage people to do this for the benefit of
themselves and others.”
The Minister stressed that this advice only applies to
people who are not showing symptoms of coronavirus,
adding: “Anyone who has a high temperature, a new,
continuous cough or a loss or change to their sense of
smell or taste must self-isolate for a minimum of seven
days and get a test as quickly as possible. Unless the
test shows a negative result, people must not go out
during this time, even with a face covering or mask.”
Notes
To provide any protection to others, face coverings need
to be made, worn, handled and disposed of in a certain
way.
The WHO recommends a minimum of three layers in a face
covering, which should include:
- An inner layer of absorbent material, such as cotton
- A middle layer of non-woven material, such as
polypropylene
- An outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as
polyester or polyester-blend
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