Coronavirus outbreak: should you wear a face mask?

The Guardian's health editor, Sarah Boseley, gives the lowdown on the effectiveness of wearing face masks to protect against the coronavirus, explains how viruses are spread, and offers tips on staying healthy and safe as the outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China, continues to spread

The Guardian YouTube network:

[hedycandy]

that's why it's out of control now in europe..

[sanhsiao]

If a stranger coughs at your face, WASH YOUR HANDS

[oraz.]

You can't keep your distance in public transportation. This is bad advice.

[nikialexa]

Prevention is better than cure, especially if there is no cure. lol

[juiellineau]

so if I touch my mask and get the virus on my hands does that not mean the mask did in fact stop the virus from getting to my nose and mouth and was instrumental in helping?

[ericliume]

This recommendation is so irresponsible. In East Asian countries, where their local CDC knows the best of the nature of COVID-19, the standard guidance from their CDC is 1, Wear a mask 2, wash your hands frequently 3, cough & sneeze into your elbows 4, avoid crowded places.

[Rafcio]

that's stupid, everyone should wear it, healthy and sick, to prevent and protect!

[revelation]

Not wearing a mask is like allowing anyone to sneaze or cough on your face.
Simple maths....

[missdemeanor]

"...the masks are hard to put on and you almost need training to do it correctly." WTF?!? Maybe if you don't have hands or arms! The average person will not find it "difficult". Smh.

[samsib]

In short, masks are useful and can minimise the risk because it prevent you from touching your face to some extent .

[sundace]

0:53 Correction: they wear masks to protect themselves. One of the biggest reasons to wear a mask is that the incubation period of coronavirus is long (14 to 21 days). Sick people don't know if they are sick or not because even if you're sick, it can show no symptoms


2:05 This is why you don't touch the mask surface when you take it off. You touch the mask's earloop. Once you take it off, sanitize your hands.


Why are people complaining it's hot and uncomfortable to wear. Like, idk, the other option is to get the virus.

[ts]

Seatbelts are really not necessary and may be unhelpful. Because i assume i would be protected when i'm actually not. I will wait until enough people die, then i will start wearing my seatbelt. Until that time, i will stay at least 1 meter away from other car accidents. Seatbelts aren't a 100% guarantee, why bother right?

Can anyone possibly interpret this video to suggest an additional and affordable level of protection and how to use it along with other methods? Or was this actively discouraging the use of a mask that costs a couple dollars?

[breejones]

*Lady* :"Masks may not be necessary"
*Also lady* : "The coronavirus is airborne"
*Me* : 😑

[nutkashia]

Government and mainstream media: there is no need wearing masks. ME: HECK NO now I know that I need to get some of those things.

[donaldsayers]

Why, after mentioning a mask that can actually help protect you from the virus, did you only mention negative attributes towards it? From what I heard it sounds like the first mask can protect you a little but you need to be careful when taking it off, and to wash your hands immediately after doing so. The second mask does an even better job at stopping the virus but is difficult to put on (it's a face mask...), and can be annoying to wear. Pretty sure having the virus is more annoying than having to wear a mask. I have lived in China, and was also there when the virus outbreak started. Trust me, wearing a mask isn't as much of a hassle as you're making it sound.
Please give better information on why people should or should not wear a mask, because so far I haven't really been able to find any refutable explanations that convince me not to wear one.

[jaycho]

LOOK WHATS HAPPENING NOW IN THE UK this is really a bad advice

[Mng]

That explains the serious outbreak of the disease all over Europe and the US.
Thank you, awesome.

[joewedg]

Il just wear a tutu and balaclava when out in public. That way everyone will avoid contact with me 👍🏻

[KevinLee-olpw]

Here in South Korea, Nearly everyone is wearing a mask outdoor.
We seem to be bringing coronavirus outbreak under control without any lockdowns.
Trust me. Wearing mask is the key.

[rainbowofboxes]

Gov: "The virus is transmitted thru particles in the air, from sneezing and coughing. Don't wear a mask!!"
Me: "Wouldn't the mask help?"
Gov: "Yes but only for us, not for you. Don't get one so there's more for us."