The WHO had previously said there was not enough evidence to say that healthy people should wear masks
BBC: Coronavirus: WHO advises to wear masks in public areas
The World Health Organization (WHO) has changed its advice on face masks, saying they should be worn in public to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
The global body said new information showed they could provide "a barrier for potentially infectious droplets".
Some countries around the world already recommend or mandate the wearing of face coverings in public.
The WHO had previously argued there was not enough evidence to say that healthy people should wear masks.
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead expert on Covid-19, told Reuters news agency the recommendation was for people to wear a "fabric mask - that is, a non-medical mask".
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MIDDLE EAST
Iran stockpiled enriched uranium at nearly 8 times the limit — UN.
IAEA voices serious concern at Iran's stonewalling on old sites.
Iranian foreign minister challenges Trump to return to nuclear deal.
U.S says door remains open for diplomacy with Iran.
Turkish soldier killed, two wounded in Syria's Idlib, defence ministry says.
Iraq records over 1,000 coronavirus cases for first time: ministry.
Israel plans to annex West Bank territories.
Qatar's foreign minister says there is a new initiative to end Gulf crisis.
ASIA
U.S. Forces-Afghanistan conducts airstrikes against Taliban attacking ANDSF checkpoint, first since Eid ceasefire.
India, China agree to resolve border dispute 'peacefully': statement.
North Korea expresses support for China's measures in Hong Kong.
China warns the UK of 'substantial damage' to its economy if refuses to back down on Hong Kong.
India, Pakistan record big jump in coronavirus cases.
Citing COVID-19, Australia seeks to bar George Floyd protests.
Pacific nation Fiji declares itself coronavirus-free.
Philippines' Duterte renews threat to kill drug dealers after big bust.
North Korea criticizes South Korea, threatens to close liaison office.
South Korea opens schools despite coronavirus resurgence.
AFRICA
Sahel armies accused of disappearances and killings, raising alarm.
West Libya forces seize last LNA stronghold near capital.
Libyan army seizes weapons supplied by UAE.
UN extends mandate to inspect Libya-bound ships for arms.
Tens of thousands march to demand Mali leader steps down.
1,300 civilians killed in DR Congo, half million flee homes: UN.
Cameroon military says missing journalist died in its custody.
Egypt agrees on $5.2 bn aid package: IMF.
Kenyan police have killed 15 since start of virus curfew.
Coronavirus: Madagascar minister fired over $2m lollipop order.
EUROPE
Brexit trade talks make 'no significant progress' as deadline nears.
Coronavirus: UK records more than 40,000 deaths.
Spain announces reopening of border with Portugal (without telling Lisbon).
German stimulus package hands families €300 for each child.
China-Sweden: Ex-ambassador Lindstedt on trial for risking security.
Czech Republic expels Russian embassy staffers as part of diplomatic stoush over fake assassin plot.
Siberian oil firm calls in army artillery to quell well fire.
The chips are down as Monte Carlo casino reopens after coronavirus closure.
AMERICAS
Minneapolis, other cities consider cuts to police budgets.
Buffalo police riot squad quit to back officers who shoved man.
Democrats introduce bill to rein in Trump's power under Insurrection Act.
Unemployment rate drops to 13.3% in May, signaling return of US jobs.
32,000 COVID-19 deaths in US nursing homes nationwide.
U.S. Navy veteran released from Iran thanks Trump.
Brazil overtakes Italy as country with third-highest coronavirus deaths.
Trudeau takes a knee with Canada protestors for racial justice.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Torture can be considered in sentencing Guantánamo prisoners, Judge rules.
French military kills north African al Qaeda leader with US help.
Jihadist attack forces MSF to suspend north Mozambique operations.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street rallies to end higher on surprise U.S. jobs report.
Trump threatens EU, China tariffs over lobster duties.
Facebook to apply state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets.
U.S. scraps plans to ban Chinese airlines after Beijing permits foreign carriers, will limit flights to two a week.
2 billion doses of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine will be available after a new deal that included $750m from Bill Gates, AstraZeneca says.
