WHO guidelines for frontline PPE use designed to protect people, conserve gear

FILE PHOTO: Medical workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) are seen through a plastic sheet as they work in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients at St. Marianna Medical University Hospital in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo, Japan May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Issei Kato

(Reuters) - As the coronavirus began to spread around the world, a global shortage of masks and other protective equipment emerged, especially for frontline medical staff.

How those supplies are used is crucial, experts say.