WHO
guidelines for frontline PPE use designed to protect
people, conserve gear
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[May 07, 2020]
(Reuters) - As the coronavirus began to
spread around the world, a global shortage of masks and other protective
equipment emerged, especially for frontline medical staff.
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How those supplies are used is crucial, experts say.
Based on current evidence, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes
COVID-19, is most frequently transmitted between people via droplets
when an infected person breathes out, coughs or sneezes, and can
also spread via contaminated surfaces such as door handles.
For the general public, basic preventive measures include keeping a
safe distance of 1 to 2 metres, washing hands with soap for 20
seconds or using a hand sanitiser, wearing a face mask if crowded
situations cannot be avoided and not touching one's eyes, nose, and
mouth.
In hospitals and other frontline medical scenarios, however, the
guidelines are much more complex - and the personal protective
equipment (PPE) much more robust.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued specific recommendations for
these situations, aimed at both protecting workers and preserving gear for where
it is needed most.
For a graphic of the WHO's guidelines for PPE use among frontline medical staff,
open
https://graphics.reuters.com/HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS/PPE/
rlgpdwxkavo/index.html in an external browser.
By May 7, Reuters data showed more than 3.5 million people worldwide have been
infected by the coronavirus and 256,053 have died of the disease it causes,
COVID-19.
(Writing by Gerry Doyle; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
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