One of Italy's top public health officials has warned that wearing face masks should not give people a false sense of security against the new coronavirus.

ISS public health institute director Silvio Brusaferro said face masks should be worn on the street in cases when it is hard to maintain a safe distance from others. But masks “must not give a false sense of security”, he told reporters.

“It is an additional element, but personal hygiene and distancing are more important.”

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