The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued an advisory on the use of cloth face masks.

The disease control agency in a tweet via its official handle said that physical distancing remains vital in protecting oneself from COVID-19.

The agency added that face mask alone is not the form of protection because the virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

The NCDC in its full advisory urged Nigerians to continue to wash their hands frequently, avoid large gatherings and adhere to other guidelines.

According to the NCDC, cloth face masks, which are a convenient substitute to medical face masks for COVID-19, should NOT be worn by individuals who are at high risk for complications due to the disease.

The Director-General of the NCDC, CHIKWE IHEKWEAZU called on business owners to ensure full compliance with the agency’s directives.