Can a face mask keep the coronavirus at bay? Plenty of people seem to think so: there are reports, for example, of a run on surgical masks and N95 respirators in Noida, where two schools have been closed after a student's parent tested positive. In French city of Marseille, around 2,000 masks were recently stolen from a hospital, according to AFP. And in the US, the surgeon general tweeted on February 29: "Seriously people -- STOP BUYING MASKS!"

In pics: Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak around the world

So, do you need to get one for yourself?

Let's sift fact from fiction. First, healthy people don't need to wear masks unless they're caring for someone who may have Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). On the other hand, people with fever, cough and breathing difficulties should wear masks and go see a doctor.

Also watch: Three main coronavirus symptoms you must know (Video provided by Health.com)

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Here are two useful videos from WHO's coronavirus page that explain who should use masks, and how they should be used. Please watch them carefully.




Now, keep in mind that surgical (or medical) masks can't protect you from the coronavirus. They are, as a Forbes report explains, "designed to keep droplets in -- not to keep them out -- and are intended to keep the wearer from getting others sick".

a person in a dark room

The report adds that N95 respirators, on the other hand, can keep out airborne particles but adds a number of caveats: for example, they aren't entirely leak-proof, and can make you more vulnerable to infections if used incorrectly.

Reports by Forbes and Live Science point to another problem: when lots of people get their hands on respirators, the healthcare professionals who really need them could face a dangerous shortage.
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MORE ON THIS STORY:

Stop touching your face! (The New York Times)

Do masks protect you? Will summer save us? Coronavirus myths busted (SkyNews)

For more information and guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) click here

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So, how can you protect yourself from a Covid-19 infection? The World Health Organisation has provided detailed guidelines on precautionary measures, including hand and respiratory hygiene. For example, wash your hands often with alcohol-based rub or soap and water, and practice social distancing.

India has reported a number of positive coronavirus cases, but no deaths. You can get all the latest updates on the global outbreak of Covid-19 on this page. Please make sure you only consume and share trustworthy information from sources like WHO and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Follow the government's latest travel adviceif you are planning a trip outside India or travelling back to India from affected areas. You can also read World Health Organization's adviceon basic protective measures against the virus. The Ministry of Health's special helpline is available at +91-11-23978046 and ncov2019@gmail.com

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