NEW YORK: The World Health Organization (WHO) says not to wear face masks to fend off the coronavirus.

WHO executive director of health emergencies Mike Ryan said that there is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any potential benefit.

In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite in the misuse of wearing a mask properly or fitting it properly.

The WHO says the only people who need masks are those who are already sick and those who are caring for the sick.

Ryan also cited the global shortage of medical supplies and the risk frontline workers are facing every day.

“The thought of them not having masks is horrific,” Ryan said.

Although some medical researchers endorse face masks and say effective ones can be homemade, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says they are ineffective in filtering small particles from the air and may not help if an infected person sneezes or coughs nearby.

(with inputs from Agencies)