The World Health Organisation (WHO) has updated its guidance on the use of masks by the public.
WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said governments should encourage people to wear masks in shops, on public transport, and areas where social distancing is not possible.
Speaking at a virtual briefing, he said people aged 60 and over, or those with underlying health issues, should wear medical masks in situations where they could not keep to social distancing guidelines.
Dr. Tedros stressed that masks are not a substitute for both hand hygiene and social distancing.
Previous advice from the WHO said there was no evidence to say masks protected healthy people from respiratory infections.
Explosion at mosque in Pakistan's capital kills 31
Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai to be sentenced on February 9
More storms coming as Leonardo swells rivers in Spain and Portugal
Danone recalls more infant formula in Europe
UN chief calls New START treaty expiration 'grave moment'
