Joint Prevention and Control Mechanisms (Leading Groups, Command Headquarters) for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps:

In light of the current prevention and control situation and the need to fully and orderly resume normal production and living order, we have organized the compilation of the "Guidelines for the Public on Scientific Mask Wearing". This guideline classifies the public, personnel in specific places, key personnel, and occupationally exposed personnel, and puts forward scientific recommendations on mask wearing in different scenarios. It is hereby issued for your reference and implementation.

Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia

(On behalf of the official seal)

March 17, 2020

(Form of information disclosure: active disclosure)

Guidelines for the Public on Scientific Mask Wearing

Scientific mask wearing has a preventive effect on respiratory infectious diseases such as novel coronavirus pneumonia and influenza, which not only protects oneself but also benefits public health. At present, in the context of fighting against the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic, the following guidelines are put forward to guide the public to wear masks scientifically, effectively prevent and control the epidemic, and protect public health.

I. General Public

(1) At home, outdoors, with no gathering of people and good ventilation.

Protection recommendation: Do not wear a mask.

(2) In crowded places such as offices, shopping malls, restaurants, meeting rooms, workshops, etc.; or taking box elevators, public transportation, etc.

Protection recommendation: In medium and low-risk areas, a mask (disposable medical mask or surgical mask) should be kept handy, and worn when in close contact (≤1 meter) with others. In high-risk areas, wear a disposable medical mask.

(3) For those with cold symptoms such as coughing or sneezing.

Protection recommendation: Wear a disposable medical mask or surgical mask.

(4) For those living with home-quarantined or discharged rehabilitation personnel.

Protection recommendation: Wear a disposable medical mask or surgical mask.

II. Personnel in Specific Places

(1) In crowded places such as hospitals, bus stations, railway stations, subway stations, airports, supermarkets, restaurants, public transportation, and entrances and exits of communities and units.

Protection recommendation: In medium and low-risk areas, staff should wear disposable medical masks or surgical masks. In high-risk areas, staff should wear surgical masks or protective masks meeting KN95/N95 or higher standards.

(2) In crowded places such as prisons, nursing homes, welfare institutions, mental health medical institutions, as well as classrooms in schools and construction site dormitories.

Protection recommendation: In medium and low-risk areas, a mask (disposable medical mask or surgical mask) should be kept handy daily, and worn when in crowded places or in close contact (≤1 meter) with others. In high-risk areas, staff should wear surgical masks or protective masks meeting KN95/N95 or higher standards; other personnel should wear disposable medical masks.

III. Key Personnel

Suspected cases, confirmed cases and asymptomatic感染者 of novel coronavirus pneumonia; close contacts of novel coronavirus pneumonia; entry personnel (from entry to the end of quarantine).

Protection recommendation: Wear a surgical mask or a protective mask meeting KN95/N95 or higher standards without an exhalation valve.

IV. Occupationally Exposed Personnel

(1) Medical staff in general outpatient clinics and wards; emergency medical staff in medical institutions in low-risk areas; administrative staff, police, security guards, cleaners, etc. engaged in epidemic prevention and control.

Protection recommendation: Wear a surgical mask.

(2) Personnel working in wards and ICUs of confirmed and suspected cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia; medical staff in fever clinics of designated medical institutions; emergency department medical staff in medical institutions in medium and high-risk areas; personnel engaged in epidemiological investigation, laboratory testing, environmental disinfection; personnel transporting confirmed and suspected cases.

Protection recommendation: Wear a medical protective mask.

(3) Operators engaged in respiratory specimen collection; staff performing tracheotomy, endotracheal intubation, bronchoscopy, sputum suction, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or lung transplantation, pathological dissection for novel coronavirus pneumonia patients.

Protection recommendation: Hood-type (or full-face) powered air-purifying respirators, or half-face powered air-purifying respirators with goggles or full face shields; both types of respirators should use P100 particulate filter elements, which are not reusable, and protective equipment should be used after disinfection.

V. Usage Notes

(1) Respiratory protective equipment includes masks and face masks. Hands should be washed before wearing and after removing.

(2) When wearing a mask, pay attention to the front and back, top and bottom. The mask should cover the mouth and nose, and adjust the nose clip to fit the face.

(3) Avoid touching the inner and outer sides of the mask during wearing. The mask should be removed by taking the strings at both ends.

(4) Wearing multiple masks cannot effectively increase the protective effect; instead, it increases respiratory resistance and may damage the tightness.

(5) There is no evidence to prove the effectiveness of various cleaning and disinfection measures for masks.

(6) Disposable medical masks and surgical masks are for limited use, with a cumulative use time not exceeding 8 hours. Occupationally exposed personnel should not use masks for more than 4 hours, and masks cannot be reused.

Source: National Health Commission