The call for New Zealanders to wear face masks in public is likely to gain momentum within days, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) understood to be on the verge of doing a U-turn on its mask advisory.
Professor Michael Baker, of the University of Otago, Wellington, said WHO officials are actively reconsidering the global health organisation's stance on face masks.
"It will almost certainly change," Baker told the Otago Daily Times.
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To date, WHO has said there is no evidence wearing a mask protects against the virus. It only recommends the use of masks by members of the public who have symptoms or are caring for people infected with Covid-19.