WHO Didn't Say Masks are Unnecessary for Healthy People
The Claim
WHO said masks are not required for healthy people to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
News posted on
Emerging story
News emerged on social media that the WHO released in a news statement that healthy people do not need to wear masks to limit the spread of COVID-19 as it is not backed by scientific evidence as a preventative measure. In the wake of new COVID-19 variants, a news article and blog post has been widely circulating on social media. The news claims that the World Health Organisation (WHO) released a press announcement on 22 January admitting that “there is no scientific medical reason for any healthy person to wear a mask outside of a hospital.” The article also mentions and links quotes by Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Program who in March 2020 recommended only the sick wear masks and that “there is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any potential benefit.” 
Misbar’s Analysis
The circulating claim is false. The WHO has since been strongly advocating for masks throughout the pandemic, releasing numerous guidelines and advice on how to best wear masks as one source of protection from COVID-19. They state that “masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19”. They go on to explain how best to wear masks such that they are as effective as possible. The CDC also strongly recommends face masks and states that they are a simple barrier when worn over the nose and mouth to help prevent your respiratory droplets from reaching others since this is how COIVD-19 spreads.
The video which is cited as the main source did not make the comment that healthy people should not wear masks, nor did other news statements released on the 22nd of January here and here. It is therefore apparent that the news circulating is fake, it is not backed by any reputable sources. The WHO continues to reiterate the importance of masks as one aspect of control to be used along with other measures even with new variants of the virus.
