The World Health Organization (WHO) changed its attitude towards masks, caught up with the global trend, and recommended that they be used in crowded public places to stop the emerging coronavirus infection (Covid-19).
However, the Geneva-based United Nations Health Organization stressed that muzzles can increase health risks if people pollute them by touching them with dirty hands.
"The muzzles can create a false sense of security," said WHO Director-General Tidros Adhanom Gebresus at an online press conference.
"Gypressus" warned that gags cannot replace hand hygiene, physical spacing or tracking patients and their social connections.
He added: "I cannot say this clearly enough: the masks alone will not protect you from Covid-19."
The World Health Organization did not urge the mass use of muzzles in its previous guidance on this topic in early April.
"Gypressus" said governments should encourage its use where there is widespread transmission of the virus and where it is difficult to keep a safe distance from others, "such as public transportation, in stores, or in other closed or crowded environments."