More and more people, both in China and around the world, are donning face masks as protection against the novel coronavirus.

In fact, the biggest benefit of the masks can be to prevent those who already have the virus from passing it on.

Nevertheless, they do offer a level of protection against the droplets which spread the disease. One of the main reasons for the virus' rapid rise has been that it can be passed through the air and can live for a short period of time on surfaces.

Therefore the outside of masks can become quickly contaminated. To minimize the risk, masks should be carefully removed as WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier explains.

It is also important to wash hands thoroughly afterwards.

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