Should one ditch DIY fabric mask to stay safe from Covid variants? An issue tormenting many institutions, each giving its mind and its contrary, leaving users confused. So, after the French government decided – as recommended by the Upper Public Health Council (HCSP) – to advise wearing surgical facemasks, this Friday January 22, the World Health Organization issued their own recommendations explaining fabric face covers remain effective against variants, as the virus spreading pattern was the same.
“Non-medical, fabric masks can be used by the general public under the age of 60 and who do not have underlying health conditions” WHO's Covid-19 technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove explains. She goes on and said that in areas where the virus spreads, masks should be worn when people are squeezed and it is impossible to stay one meter apart from one another, as well as in rooms poorly or badly aired. She concluded by explaining that: “Countries are free to make decisions as they see fit”.
A recommendation WHO also shares with the National Academy of Medicine explaining this very Friday they recommend to keep on wearing handmade masks. “Such a change in recommendations as for the use the entire population managed to comply with is likely to cause confusion and spark doubts again as for the legitimacy of official guidelines” the Academy adds. The institution also said that to avoid contamination in public transit, users were invited not to chat or answer their phone during their commute.
Please also note that France is not the only country to recommend stopping wearing handmade facemasks or type 2 masks: Germany and Austria have also – according to Francetvinfo – made the same measures, making surgical facemasks and FFP2 facemasks compulsory in public transit and stores. In France, a decree is to be issued on Friday January 29.
