Global COVID-19 Cases Near 1 Million... WHO Urges "Masks for Asymptomatic Individuals"

Guidelines Under Review in the US and Europe as Well

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially mentioned 'wearing masks' as a measure to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This marks a change from the previous stance that healthy individuals and asymptomatic persons did not need to wear masks despite the COVID-19 pandemic. It is interpreted that WHO has realized the seriousness of asymptomatic infections.

On the 1st (local time), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said at a virtual press briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, "The global spread is very concerning, with the cumulative number of confirmed cases expected to exceed 1 million and deaths 50,000 within the next few days," and added, "WHO is continuously evaluating the wearing of masks by more people to control the transmission of COVID-19." He further stated, "Medical masks are recommended for those who are sick or caring for them, but since this is a very new virus, we are always learning."

Until now, WHO had maintained the position that there was no evidence that asymptomatic individuals wearing masks was effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, this statement is notable because it is the exact opposite of the previous stance.

WHO's change in position is closely related to the characteristic of COVID-19 involving asymptomatic transmission. Although countries worldwide are closing borders and implementing quarantine measures, the spread has not been curbed easily. In some countries showing signs of slowing spread, concerns about a secondary outbreak caused by overseas inflow are growing. Ultimately, to minimize transmission, secondary infections through asymptomatic individuals must be suppressed, and wearing masks should be fundamental to this effort. In China, the National Health Commission began including asymptomatic infections in statistics, considering the growing public concern about asymptomatic carriers. Chinese President Xi Jinping also instructed to "thoroughly manage asymptomatic infections and strengthen various inspections."

Wearing masks is also effective in reducing the possibility of transmission. In fact, the Czech Republic has benefited significantly from mask-wearing. Since making mask-wearing mandatory in public places from the 19th, the number of infections and deaths has remained significantly lower than neighboring countries.

Following the United States, Germany, Austria, and others are also recommending or emphasizing mandatory mask-wearing.

According to CNN, the White House COVID-19 Task Force will soon announce official guidelines recommending mask-wearing for its citizens. Some members of the task force, including Debbie Birx, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, had repeatedly expressed negative views on recommending mask use, but concerns about virus transmission by asymptomatic individuals have led to a review of existing guidelines.

In Europe, the city of Jena in Thuringia, eastern Germany, has decided to mandate mask-wearing in public places. In Austria, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz officially announced at a press conference earlier this week that "mask-wearing in public places will be mandatory." The Middle Eastern country Israel has mandated mask-wearing starting from the 1st.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.