Guidance on mask use in the context of COVID-19

This course provides an overview of the guidance on masks as outlined in “Mask use in the context of COVID-19”.

This training is intended for health workers, decision-makers, and the public and covers correct mask use for both healthcare and community settings.

Photo credit: WHO / Blink Media - E.Jabi; WHO/ Blink Media - M. Aim

Course information

This course is also available in the following languages:

македонски - Shqip - chiShona

Overview: The use of masks is part of a comprehensive package of prevention and control measures to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This training is based on scientific evidence and WHO guidance relevant to the use of masks for reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in different settings. This course targets decision-makers, IPC professionals, healthcare workers, and the general public.

This course is based on WHO guidelines and will be revised as new evidence emerges.

Learning objectives: By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Describe the principles for safe handling and wearing of masks;
• Describe the recommendations for mask use in health settings;
• Describe the recommendations for mask use in community settings; and
• Describe the recommended fabric masks, including the number of layers and composition.

Course duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Certificates: A Record of Achievement certificate will be available to participants who score at least 80% of the total points available across all of the quizzes. Participants who receive a Record of Achievement can also download an Open Badge for this course. Click here to learn how.

Useful links and resources:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks

• WHO Technical Guidance on when and how to use masks

• How to wear a medical mask

• How to wear a fabric mask

Course contents

• Module 1: Introduction:

  By the end of this module, you should be able to: describe how COVID-19 is spread; explain the 5 recommended measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19; understand what is included in the mask guidance, and describe how to use masks, what type of masks to use and when to use them.

• Module 2: Healthcare settings:

  By the end of this module, you should be able to: describe what mask use is recommended for the care of COVID-19 patients; understand what mask use is recommended for each of the transmission scenarios; explain the mask needs for community health workers, and describe the difference between the terms "universal masking" versus "targeted masking".

• Module 3: Community settings:

  By the end of this module, you should be able to: describe when to wear a mask in community settings; explain what mask is recommended for specific sub-populations in the community, and understand whether a mask is recommended for specific activities in community settings.