In a bid to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, the ministry of health and wellness has recommended that persons who fall within specific categories should wear masks.

In a statement today, the ministry said these individuals include persons who are ill with coughing and sneezing, those quarantined or isolated, persons who have had covid-19 and have been discharged from hospital, the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses.

The ministry said members of the public are at highest risk of exposure to droplets emitted by infected persons in crowded situations and where these situations cannot be avoided, wearing a mask will decrease the likelihood of exposure.

Also, persons who do not readily have access to running water, or in living conditions that do not allow for physical distancing, should wear a mask, in addition to observing the necessary infection prevention control measures.

Meantime, the health ministry is urging persons to be cautious as to how they wear masks.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacqueline Bisasor McKenzie, in noting that wearing a mask continuously is uncomfortable, said persons must avoid touching and adjusting the mask, so as to prevent contamination and infecting themselves.

She advised that as soon as there is contamination of the mask, it must be discarded or if reusable, it must be washed.

The health ministry is also urging caution when removing a mask.

This means the front of the mask should not be touched, and the loops that are either at the back of the head or behind the ears, should be grasped and pulled forward and away from the face.

Members of the public must also observe infection prevention measures, such as washing and sanitizing hands, even while wearing the mask.