The World Health Organization (WHO) said masks should only be worn by health care workers and those who are infected.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says healthy people don’t need to wear face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and masks should only be for those who are sick, their caretakers and health care workers.

In guidance released by WHO Monday, the United Nations public health agency said “there is currently no evidence that wearing a mask (whether medical or other types) by healthy persons in the wider community setting, including universal community masking, can prevent them from infection with respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.”

WHO said the use of medical masks among the general public could create a false sense of security and cause people to ignore social distancing measures and hygiene practices. Currently in the U.S., the overwhelming majority of states have issued stay-at-home orders to stop the spread of the virus, and federal guidance advises citizens to stay home and not gather in groups of more than ten through April 30.

WHO said another concern is people may contaminate themselves by touching their face more frequently when they adjust, remove and dispose of their masks.

The agency said masks should be reserved for those who are infected with the virus or are in close contact with infected patients. People experiencing cough or shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19 should also wear masks even if they have not tested positive, and should self-isolate and seek medical attention.

The agency reviewed its position on masks after data from Hong Kong suggested the widespread use of masks in the community may have reduced the spread of COVID-19 in some regions.