The National Health Commission issued a new version of the mask-wearing guidelines

In view of the characteristics of the current variants of the new coronavirus and the epidemic characteristics of the population, and to further guide the public and key occupational groups to wear masks scientifically and in a standardized manner to protect themselves and others, on August 9, the National Health Commission updated the "Guidelines for Scientific Mask Wearing for the Public (Revised Version)" and formed the "Guidelines for Mask Wearing for the Public and Key Occupational Groups (August 2021 Edition)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Mask Wearing Guidelines").

The new version of the "Guidelines on Wearing Masks" sets new regulations on the scenarios and situations in which masks are required for the general public and key occupational groups, as well as mask selection and precautions.

1. Guidelines for the general public to wear masks

The public is advised to use disposable medical masks, medical surgical masks or masks with higher protection levels.

In addition to wearing masks in crowded indoor places, on public transportation, visiting hospitals, when experiencing symptoms such as nasopharyngeal discomfort, coughing, sneezing, and fever, and when not eating in restaurants and canteens, masks are also required when in crowded outdoor places such as open-air squares, theaters, and parks.

It is recommended that when family members have symptoms such as nasopharyngeal discomfort, cough, sneezing and fever, they need to wear higher-level masks when going to the hospital for treatment to protect themselves and others and comprehensively prevent the risk of transmission.

II. Guidelines for wearing masks for key occupational groups

1. Personnel from overseas and those in high-risk positions for contamination transmission

Special emphasis is placed on strengthening protection for customs personnel, cleaners, porters, drivers and other positions related to overseas cold chain food and transportation. They are required to wear particulate protection masks throughout their work to prevent the risk of transmission through objects, the environment and people.

2. Medical staff

General contact personnel: including outpatient and general ward medical staff, security, registration, guide, billing, pharmacy and other personnel must wear medical surgical masks or higher protection level masks throughout the process.

People who come into contact with potential contaminants: cleaning staff, caregivers, plumbers, laboratory staff, etc., must wear particulate protection masks at all times*.

Staff who come into contact with patients or infected persons: medical staff in fever clinics and isolation wards, nasopharyngeal swab samplers, etc., must wear medical protective masks at all times.

3. Service personnel in public places

For example, flight attendants, police, couriers, etc. were previously required to wear disposable medical masks. This revision has been upgraded and strengthened to require them to wear medical surgical masks or masks with higher protection levels while at work.

Note: *Particulate protection masks refer to products that meet the requirements of "disposable masks" in the "Respiratory Protection Self-priming Filter-type Particulate Respirator" (GB2626-2019) standard and do not have an exhalation valve.

Health starts with everyone. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, gather less, pay attention to your own health, and protect yourself, which is to protect others!