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Experts Urge WHO to Replace Surgical Masks with Respirators

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Experts are urging the World Health Organization (WHO) to replace surgical masks with respirator-level masks for healthcare workers, citing inadequate protection against airborne pathogens.
They argue surgical masks, widely used during the pandemic, are obsolete and should be replaced by respirators to reduce infections.
A WHO spokesperson acknowledged the letter, supported by notable epidemiologists, and said the agency is reviewing guidelines based on new scientific evidence.

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Story summary

Experts are urging the World Health Organization (WHO) to replace surgical masks with respirator-level masks for healthcare workers, citing inadequate protection against airborne pathogens.
They argue surgical masks, widely used during the pandemic, are obsolete and should be replaced by respirators to reduce infections.
A WHO spokesperson acknowledged the letter, supported by notable epidemiologists, and said the agency is reviewing guidelines based on new scientific evidence.