WHO wants facemasks re-introduced as COVID-19 spreads

The World Health Organisation has recommended the use of facemasks by the public in specific situations.

The WHO issued the update given the current spread of COVID-19 globally.

The agency notes that masks are recommended following recent exposure to COVID-19, when someone has or suspects they have COVID-19, when someone is at high risk of severe COVID-19, and for anyone in a crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated space.

I Nigeria, 42 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed from December 31, 2022, to January 13, 2023.

So far, Nigeria has recorded 266,492 COVID-19 confirmed cases; 3,155 deaths, and 259,858 cases have been discharged across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

As of January 13, there have been 661,545,258 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,700,519 deaths, reported to WHO.

In a new release by the WHO, it said, “Previously, the WHO 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 hospitalization levels, levels of vaccination coverage and immunity in the community, and the setting people find themselves in.”