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Coronavirus Updates: In Reversal, WHO Says People Should Wear Facemasks
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Jun 5, 2020
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By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Jun 5, 2020
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This is our daily update of breaking COVID-19 news for Friday, June 5th, 2020. Previous daily updates can be found here, and up-to-date statistics are here.
Read our guide to understanding New York on PAUSE, NY's stay-at-home order, as well as what the upstate reopening means (NYC is expected to move into Phase 1 on June 8th); a look at preparing for the spread of coronavirus is here, and if you have lingering questions about the virus, here is our regularly updated coronavirus FAQ. Here are some local and state hotlines for more information: NYC: 311; NY State Hotline: 888-364-3065; NJ State Hotline: 800-222-1222.
Here's the latest:
- In Reversal, WHO Says People Should Wear Facemasks
- De Blasio Tells Protesters To Get Tested For COVID-19
- Here's The Plan To Bring Outdoor Dining Back To NYC
3:30 p.m. The World Health Organization on Friday said it is now recommending that people living in places where there is widespread transmission of coronavirus wear facemasks in public when social distancing is not possible.
Specifically, the public health agency said that those over age 60 or with health issues should wear a medical-grade mask, while others should wear a three-layer fabric mask. In a new video published on its website, the WHO said that the outer layer of the mask should be water-resistant, while the inner layer should be water absorbent. The middle layer, meanwhile, should act as a filter.
The new guidance represents a significant reversal for the WHO, which previously had said that masks should only be worn by those who are sick. In addition to citing lack of evidence on the efficacy of facemasks, experts worried that there would be a shortage of medical masks for healthcare workers.
The reluctance by the WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to advise the public to wear facemasks amid the coronavirus pandemic has been widely seen as a misstep. After being in alignment with the WHO, the CDC in early April advised all Americans to begin wearing facemasks.
During his remarks at a WHO meeting, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stressed that hygiene and social distancing were still important.
"Masks on their own will not protect you from COVID-19," he said.
The WHO has also been faulted with failing to recommend that essential workers like nurses and emergency responders wear N95 masks as opposed to surgical masks. On Monday, a study published in The Lancet, found that N95 and other similar respirator masks were more effective in preventing transmission than cloth masks.
De Blasio Tells Protesters To Get Tested For COVID-19
With only three days to go before New York City begins to reopen some businesses, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday urged protesters to get tested for the coronavirus.
"If you have been at one of these protests, I want to strongly urge you to get tested," he said, during his morning press briefing. "It is dangerous to be close together."
On Thursday, Governor Andrew Cuomo similarly urged protesters to get tested, calling it their civic duty.
Friday is expected to be the ninth day of demonstrations against police violence. Given the 14-day incubation period of the virus, it is still too early to know whether the protests have increased the spread of the disease. But public health experts have increasingly expressed concern, saying that yelling, shouting and singing can project viral droplets.
De Blasio also announced that New York City would introduce mobile testing. Two testing trucks will hit the streets next in the Soundview section of the Bronx and in Kew Gardens in Queens.
The city plans to ramp up to ten COVID-19 testing trucks in July.
Tests are done on a walk-in basis. Those interested in finding a testing site near them should visit NYC.Gov/Covidtest
As many as 33,000 people were tested in one day last week, the mayor said.
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COVID-19
covid-19 updates
coronavirus
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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