GENEVA, June 5 (WNM/WHO) - WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyeus said in a recent statement:

''Masks can also create a false sense of security leading people to neglect measures such as hand hygiene and physical distancing. I can not say this clearly enough, masks alone will not protect you from COVID-19. Masks are not a replacement for physical distancing, hand hygiene and other public health measures, masks are only of benefit as part of a comprehensive approach in the fight against COVID-19. The cornerstone of the response in every country must be to find, isolate, test and care for every case and to trace and quarantine every contact.''

Ghebreyeus continues:

''In light of evolving evidence WHO advises that governments should encourage the general public to wear masks where there is widespread transmission and physical distancing is difficult such as on public transport, in shops or in other confined or crowded environments.''