BBC News in the UK asked if face masks protect against coronavirus.
As coronavirus continues to spread around the world, face masks are in high demand as people look for ways to protect themselves.
But do they really protect most people from contracting the virus?
Dr Shunmay Yeung from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine explains.
BBC News
The answer provided here is that face masks are not beneficial, and this is also something WHO has said. As well as it not being an effective solution to the spread of this virus – because the virus is not “in the air” – this point is being emphasized because there is a shortage of face masks globally.
There are three entry points for this virus into your respiratory tract: your mouth, your nose, and your eyes.
Clearly, if you have come into contact with a virus, not touching your face is very important. If a face mask prompts you (and physically prevents you) from touching your face, then it will make it less likely you will contract the virus. You could also achieve this by putting literally anything over your face, like a scarf, or, just not touching your face.
Does this mean you should wear a face mask at all times?
No. If you stay at home, practice social distancing, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, and make sure not to touch your face, particularly when in public spaces, then a face mask will make little or no difference. You shouldn’t even need to cover your face at all – though it may be useful to wear something over your face as a prompt if you find you are particularly accustomed to touching your face.
Try practicing at home. Imagine you have ink on your fingers. Don’t touch your face!
The virus is in droplets, which are coughed or sneezed out by infected persons. They do not “float” in the air (measles virus, on the other hand, has such small molecules that it can literally bond with molecules in the air and “hang” in a cloud after someone sneezes).
Wash your hands.
Stay home and save lives.
