Primary care services are to get access to government stockpiles of face masks, it was revealed last night.

The news came as the public was being asked not to purchase face masks for fear of supplies for clinicians running out before any serious Covid-19 outbreak hit the UK.

World Health Organisation leaders yesterday stepped up warnings that the world could be on the edge of a pandemic as the number of patients diagnosed outside China passed the number of diagnoses inside China. Italy reported five new deaths yesterday with 93 new diagnoses and Iran three new deaths while 18 new cases were reported in Bahrain.

The British Dental Association said last night it had received confirmation that NHS stockpiles of face masks would be made available to primary care. The service had amassed stocks last year amid the threat of a no-deal Brexit disrupting supplies.

The BDA said it understood the NHS had “significant” stockpiles. Chair Mick Armstrong said: “The clock was ticking on this face mask shortage, and dentists and patients will applaud decisive action from the industry and government. We were clear any solution hinged on getting needed supplies into the hands of high street practices. That process kicks off today, and not a moment too soon.”

WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “We are not just fighting to contain a virus and save lives. We are also in a fight to contain the social and economic damage a global pandemic could do.”