'Three layer' masks recommended to people in Wales where 'social distancing not possible'

The Welsh Government is recommending people in Wales to wear ‘three-layer face coverings’ in situations where social distancing is not possible.

The updated guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) says three layer face coverings could help provide some control of the virus in specific circumstances.

This new advice is in addition to maintaining a two-metre distance with good hand hygiene still seen as the most effective way to protect yourself and others from contracting coronavirus.

Recommendation of three layer masks to be worn on public transport

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Washing your hands, avoiding touching your face and maintaining a two-metre distance from others remain the best way of stopping the spread of the virus."

On Friday, the WHO updated their guidance on face coverings, advising it should be considered in settings where maintaining social distancing is difficult. However, wearing a face covering does not replace the need for social distancing or washing your hands regularly.

Further scientific evidence is required regarding benefits to the wider public of wearing face coverings, but observational findings so far suggest that homemade or purchased three-layer face-coverings might reduce transmission from one person to another if made, worn, handled and disposed of properly.

Mr Gething said: "Therefore, on balance, we are recommending to the people of Wales that three-layer face-coverings should be used in situations where social distancing measures can be more difficult to achieve, for example, on public transport. We are not recommending their use outdoors."

The wearing of face coverings will not be mandatory, but the Welsh minister added the government will encourage people to do this for the “benefit of themselves and others.”

This updated advice only applies to people who are not showing symptoms of coronavirus. People who are symptomatic must self-isolate for seven days and get a test, as set out in existing guidance. Unless the test shows a negative result, they must not go out during this time, even with a face covering or mask.

“Anyone who has a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste must self-isolate for a minimum of seven days and get a test as quickly as possible," says Mr Gething.

“Unless the test shows a negative result, people must not go out during this time, even with a face covering or mask.”