Lockdowns could be avoided if 95% of people wore masks, says WHO

Lockdowns could be avoided if everyone followed health measures such as wearing masks, the World Health Organization's top Europe official said at a Thursday news briefing. WHO Europe's Regional Director Hans Kluge stressed that lockdowns should be a 'last resort,' and urged the public to follow guidance to help to prevent deaths. He said that if 95% of people wore masks, instead of the current 60%, 'lockdowns would not be needed' -- although he added that mask use was not a 'panacea' and needed to be combined with other measures. 'If we all do our share, lockdowns are avoidable,' Kluge said.