A group of experts urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to update its guidelines to recommend respirator-grade masks, such as N95 or FFP2, as the standard for healthcare workers. The signatories argue that traditional surgical masks are “obsolete” and provide inadequate protection against airborne pathogens like Covid-19 and the flu. The proposal suggests that switching to respirators would significantly reduce infection rates, staff absences, and burnout among medical professionals. While the WHO is currently reviewing its infection prevention guidelines, the experts emphasize that even in poorer countries, respirator access should be prioritized to ensure worker safety.
Date: January 9, 2026 Source: theguardian.com