As the coronavirus began to spread around the world, a global shortage of masks and other protective equipment emerged, especially for frontline medical staff.

For the general public, basic preventive measures include keeping a safe distance of one to two metres, washing hands with soap for 20 seconds or using a hand sanitiser, wearing a face mask if crowded situations cannot be avoided and not touching one’s eyes, nose, and mouth.

In hospitals and other frontline medical scenarios, however, the guidelines are much more complex — and the personal protective equipment (PPE) much more robust.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued specific recommendations for these situations, aimed at both protecting workers and preserving gear for where it is needed most.

See the Reuters graph on WHO's guidelines here.