World Health Organisation (WHO) medical officer Dr Mary Brantuo said the virus stays on surfaces for about 72 hours. She, therefore, called on the public to dispose of off gloves and masks after use and use sanitisers regularly. Brantuo said there are guidelines to be followed when making the home-made masks, including the type of material used and how breathable is the mask is. She, however, emphasised that the use of medical masks is strictly for health personnel and the public is advised to have the reusable masks. Ministry of Health’s technical officer, Dr Apollo Basenero said the virus spreads through droplets from a positive person through coughing or sneezing, therefore, personal protective equipment is important to prevent the spread of the infection. He said the use of masks is an important way of preventing the spread of the virus, especially for asymptomatic people. They both called for the proper use of masks, which are to not touch the front of the mask, to discard the mask when it is wet or torn, for reusable masks to be washed with hot water and ironed and to dispose of the disposable masks after use. They also called on the public to follow proper protocols as the use of masks can only be effective when done appropriately. Information about the distribution of masks by Government to vulnerable people will be communicated. The officials were on a panel at the COVID-19 Communication Centre this morning.