Are face masks effective protection against catching COVID-19?

There may not be a more potent symbol of the coronavirus global pandemic than the face mask.

But despite their widespread use in other countries, in the UK, the government maintains they're not necessary.

Government advice is that only those in close contact with COVID-19 patients or people displaying symptoms themselves need to wear masks

It’s in step with the World Health Organisation. And was, up until recently, the line taken by the US.

But not any more.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA, is now advising Americans to wear cloth face coverings in settings where social distancing may be unattainable.

In Austria, masks are mandatory in supermarkets and on public transport.

And In Morocco, it is a crime not to wear one when out in public.

So is it time for the UK to rethink the face mask?

Read more:

From Brexit breaking news to HD movie trailers, The Sun newspaper brings you the latest news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world.

Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know

[xianfan]

Just be honest, face masks can help in large scale. WHO and western countries do not recommend because of the lack of masks

[fitnesscrazy]

If only the people who have the virus should wear the mask the point is some people don’t even know they have the virus so it’s better if everyone wears a mask then there will be no transmission when everyone is out and then just wash hands when everyone gets home.

[TabsT-vyjy]

Anything the UK government advises I do the opposite. They are clowns.

[LuoYY]

I guess, in order to better carry out the Herd Immunity, gov asks us not to wear a mask in public.

[jerry-mind-sky]

how to know who is symptoms-free carrier? only masks protect

[okty_r_wells]

Unfortunately, everytime I went out for local shop for buying foods, people didn’t wear mask and even someone told me that it’s not effective, if someone sneezing, it can go to our eyes too, but I told him that why everyone should wear mask to protect others if you are sneezing. None wear mask only me and husband, it’s really crazy watching people careless.

[billybass]

Does a condom prevent pregnancy? I think most sane ppl will see where I'm coming from with this....

[themafia]

Wearing a mask is another form of protection just like social distancing. We should wear masks.

[eyyh]

Be considerate. Reduce risk of infection. Save lives of the vulnerables!
Whenever in healthcare or nursing facilities, supermarkets, public transport, and confined space such as elevators, wear any facemask except N95!
Do cover both nose & mouth.

[mechanicmike]

oh boy the UK is so far behind.
even the americans understood it by now...

[davidlong]

Haven't seen one Cyclist or Jogger wearing a mask in London during 'The Lockdown' and they don't keep a distance when they pass you (Ideally more than 2m with their deep breathing and velocity movement) These April 2020 Super Spreaders need to be made to wear masks. A cyclists coughed right in my face as he turned a corner quickly whilst I crossed the road the other day.

[geezalee]

The idea of wearing mask not just for protection, the mask on your face constantly reminds you to keep away from people by restricting you from talking too much and other people limit their contact with you. Even if the mask helps 5% protection, 'every little helps'.

[ismarcus]

Touching your face to adjust and remove the mask, more so than not wearing a mask. Whats key....social distancing and self isolation. That stops you getting near anyone. So unless EVERYONE is wearing a mask, its pointless 100% pointless. It can still get into you with a mask on, that's why nurses wear face shields. A droplit can enter the eye, ears. It will simply make you feel safe but actually, won't offer much more protection. However people will wear them because they believe they help. Each to their own.

[SILVERSTRIPE_]

im from the uk and i use them, i dont give a crap if they say not to...

[geezalee]

If it's good enough for medical staff to wear mask, even closer to their patients less than the recommended a two-meter distance, why not for others who wish to wear the mask as well as keeping a two-meter distance? We're tired of mixed messages.

[LoveIsBlind-wicg]

UK - there are numerous sellers offering masks on ebay. You can also buy laboratory wrap around glasses to protect your eyes.

[geezalee]

Take as an example during foggy cold weather, when we talk the amount of smoke coming out of our mouths and countless tiny
dot particles, it takes just one tiny dotlet to drop in your eyes.

[OakFlooringDirectCoUk]

How did humans ever survive before hand sanitizer, face masks, and standing 20 feet apart from another person?

[brandonfreer]

No, facemasks will not help for the fact that people don't throw them away after use. People take them off and stick them in a pocket, purse, bag or whatever. Those items are now compromised and they do not get washed or sanitized. Go figure!!!

[charlienwomasonstein]

We need to be walking around breathing through tubes that go into the sky.