Do Surgical Face Masks Protect You From Coronavirus?

As coronavirus cases dominate the headlines around the world, in recent weeks consumer demand for surgical face masks has surged.

It’s led to shortages and price hikes, with some being sold online for as much as $149 for five masks.

Italian police are cracking down on misleading adverts about the effectiveness of surgical masks.

So, we asked an expert if surgical face masks really work. Can they protect you from the coronavirus?

Report by Gareth Shoulder

#Coronavirus #SurgicalMasks #N95Mask

[OnDemandNews]

Are we overreacting about the coronavirus? Do you think the high price for masks is worth the money?

[sittingindetroit]

If it doesn't help, why do surgeons/doctors/nurses wear them? Why is the Surgeon General worried about a shortage of something that doesn't work anyway?

[laifrankie]

Overreacting? There is a real case: a man went to market to buy some fish without wearing a mask. It only took him less than 2 minutes, and he got infected!
Wearing a mask is for the sake of yourself and your family.

[bunthatouch]

lets be honest here.. the reason why this is a issue here and the gov coming out saying dont wear one is becuase they are short on supply, if there were enough mask to go around. i bet their say wash your hand and please put on a mask to protect you and other around you.

[hibaby]

In some cases, people could carry the virus without showing any symptoms. So wearing a mask can help protecting other people in the outbreak areas. Afterall, there is no harm wearing one.

[xinweitao]

Viral particle is only 0.25micro meter. Nothing can stop that small particles. But they have to transmit via droplets which are 3-12 micro meter, and mainly in a range of 5-8. So even surgical mask can stop about 80% of droplets that could potentially carry virus

Another thing is that this disease can infect others even if there's no symptoms show.

Also, in a crowded space, like a bus or in the tube, it is almost inevitable to have one or two people cough or sneeze in a carriage.

Maybe, on a large scale, face mask might not be that effective to stop the virus outbreak. But if you are in a same room of a potential infected person, you are very likely to be infected without a mask. Mask can help in this kind of situations and The question is "do you want to take chances?"

It does help even if it only helps a little, it helps. And in such a outbreak context, individuals should be ok to take actions to protect themselves, not to be told off or be laughed at.

Why cant the media show more info about the virus and how to ware a mask? Why cant the gov to enhance the manufacturing the masks instead of telling the public not to ware?

The annoying bit of this kind media is that they dont tell you the whole story. Have you actually thought about why these mask cant protect you? Or you are just taking these for granted?

[rfdeedcyyy]

Wrong. You should wear mask.
If you are healthy, you should wear face marks and use sanitizer during this difficult situation. These are what we do in HongKong. Everyone wears mask in HongKong. Wearing mask is very important. Learn the lesson from Taiwan, Macao and HongKong. They wear masks everyday and the numbers infected are low and there is incubation period. You can be very healthy during the incubation period but spreading the virus at the same time.

[hinchiwong]

You should think of face masks as condom. HIV carriers may not know that they are carrier and infect others by not using a condom, just like coronavirus carriers may not know and infect others by not wearing a mask. If we take the precautions in advance, like wearing a mask, at least it will reduce the chance of infection. Then again, Asian countries are more densely populated than the states which is very hard to keep distance with others so people are wearing masks. But still I think it is better to wear a mask in public transport and shopping mall.

[andytubez]

No doubt mask doesnt represent the full prevention of virus spread but wearing the mask is the LEAST that you can do to protect yourselves inorder to stay away at the high risk of virus infection. My adviced was MASK is still necessary moreover on demand.

From Malaysia 🇲🇾

[UtaShirokage]

Just to sum up: As long as your eyes, nose or mouth are unprotected or if the protection is loose, droplets can still enter. Stay safe people, and avoid crowded places as much as possible.

[sincerexu]

just like u say a bullet will hurt u even u wear Body armor. So lets drop it lol

[foxpaper]

Fools who don't wear Italian face masks.

[yinbryan]

Does anyone need a mask? We are a Chinese factory that can produce masks

[greetingsearthlingsmynamei]

It escaped from a Level 4 laboratory. Your mask is WORTHLESS.