WHO recommends use of facemasks amid COVID-19 resurgence

• Published date: 17 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Following the global resurgence of COVID-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO), has recommended the use of facemasks by the public in specific situations.

The agency made the recommendation in updated guidelines, published on its website.

Noting that facemasks continue to be a key tool against COVID-19, the agency said, 'The recommendations were based on the epidemiological situation.

'Similar to previous recommendations, WHO advises that there are other instances when a mask may be suggested, based on a risk assessment.

'Factors to consider include the local epidemiological trends or rising hospitalisation levels, levels of vaccination coverage and immunity in the community, and the setting people find themselves in.

'Without testing, for patients with symptoms, the new guidelines suggest 10 days of isolation from the date of symptom onset. Previously, WHO advised that patients be discharged 10 days after symptom onset, plus at least three additional days since their symptoms had resolved.

'For those who test positive for COVID-19 but do not have any signs or symptoms, WHO now suggests five days of isolation in the absence of testing, compared to 10 days previously.

'Isolation of people with COVID-19 is an important step in preventing others from being infected. This can be done at home or at a dedicated facility, such as a hospital or clinic.

'Although of very low certainty, evidence also showed that people with symptoms discharged at day five following symptom onset risked...