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World Americas

Obama on coronavirus: Use your common sense

Former president says follow hand-washing guidelines but do not wear mask



Barack Obama.
Image Credit: AP

Washington: Former US president Barack Obama called Wednesday for people to take “common sense precautions” over the coronavirus outbreak — advising them to follow hand-washing guidelines but not to wear masks.

“Save the masks for health care workers. Let’s stay calm, listen to the experts, and follow the science,” tweeted Obama, who has kept a low public profile since leaving office in 2017.

He said people should keep track of updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — and stay home if they are sick.

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The World Health Organization has said masks, goggles and other protective equipment used by health workers were in short supply due to “rising demand, hoarding and misuse.”

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The death toll in the US from the virus rose to 11 on Wednesday, as lawmakers in Congress reached a deal to provide more than $8 billion to fight the outbreak.

Nationwide, more than 130 people have so far been infected, with the virus detected in more than a dozen states.

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