BEIJING — A Chinese expert suggested that people change their face masks every couple of days to prevent coronavirus infection, and not disinfect used masks in microwave ovens.

Wu Zunyou, an expert on epidemiology at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing on Feb 7.

"One should wear a face mask when going to crowded places, such as taking the subway or bus," Wu said, adding that taking one's mask off for face recognition during security checks at train stations and airports was unlikely to cause infection because it only takes a short time.

He also advised people to wash their hands frequently whether wearing gloves or not to prevent virus transmission through hand contamination.