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Coronavirus: Who needs masks or other protective gear? Coronavirus: Should we all be wearing masks now?
(3 days later)
Face masks, gloves and other protective gear can help stop the spread of coronavirus in the right circumstances, but there has been a lot of discussion about who should use them. Face masks, gloves and other protective gear can help stop the spread of coronavirus, in the right circumstances.
World Health Organization (WHO) special envoy Dr David Nabarro has suggested that more widespread use of masks will become "the norm" as the world adjusts to living with Covid-19. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says wearing masks in the city should be compulsory and is calling for the government to change its advice.
But what is the evidence to show that this is necessary?
Why doesn't everyone wear a mask now?Why doesn't everyone wear a mask now?
Coronavirus is spread by droplets that can spray into the air when those infected talk, cough and sneeze. These can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, either directly or after touching a contaminated object The World Health Organization (WHO) says only two groups of people should wear protective masks, those who are:
The World Health Organization says it remains the case that medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers, not the general public. It says medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers.
Only two groups of people should wear protective masks, those who are:
Masks are not recommended for the general public because:Masks are not recommended for the general public because:
Coronavirus is spread by droplets that can spray into the air when those infected talk, cough and sneeze. These can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, either directly or after touching a contaminated object.
How might things change?How might things change?
Dr Nabarro told Radio 4's Today programme that healthcare workers and those with symptoms remained the priority, especially given the worldwide shortage of the best quality masks. People in the UK have heard some politicians suggest that masks should be worn, but scientists saying they are not necessary.
But he said masks might also need to be worn by non-medical workers who are in frequent contact with others and who can't distance themselves, such as people operating cash registers, or hairdressers. The government is not currently advising most people to wear masks. However, the UK's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said a review is ongoing.
Among society as a whole, he said that he expected "some form of facial protection is going to become the norm", not least to offer people reassurance when they encounter others. London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants people to wear masks outside when social distancing is not possible. He said this would reduce the chances of passing on the virus.
But Dr Nabarro warned against complacency: "Don't imagine that you can do what you like when you are wearing a mask. [It] doesn't give you the excuse to disregard social distancing." Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government would only change its guidance if the scientific advice altered.
The UK is not advising most people to wear either medical or homemade masks. Meanwhile, World Health Organization (WHO) special envoy Dr David Nabarro believes that in society, "some form of facial protection is going to become the norm".
Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK's chief scientific adviser, says there is a review ongoing at the moment and it has already seen "more persuasive" data on it stopping you passing on the virus, rather than catching it. However, the advice has yet to change. However, he warned: "Don't imagine that you can do what you like when you are wearing a mask. [It] doesn't give you the excuse to disregard social distancing."
Do homemade face masks work?Do homemade face masks work?
Americans are advised to use clean cloth or fabric to cover their faces whilst in public. Officials say medical masks are in short supply and should be left for healthcare workers. While there is lots of advice on how to make face masks online, they are not regulated, whereas officially-made ones have to meet safety requirements.
Only the sick, or those caring for patients of coronavirus, had previously been told to wear masks. But US officials hope the new rules could stop people without symptoms unknowingly spreading coronavirus. Reusable cloth masks are not recommended and may even increase the chance of infection, say European advisers.
However, reusable cloth masks are also not recommended and may even increase the chance of infection, say European advisers. They say there is a high chance virus particles could go through cloth, or that problems with moisture could make the cloth retain the virus.
They say there is a high chance virus particles could go through cloth. Problems with moisture could also mean the cloth retains the virus, they warn. However, Americans have been advised to wear "cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (eg: grocery stores and pharmacies)".
There is lots of advice on how to make face masks online, with some sites suggesting the best options. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which says that social distancing is key to slowing the virus's spread, says the coverings can be made from "household items" or "common materials at low cost".
However, homemade masks are not regulated whereas officially-made ones have to meet safety requirements. In Europe, it has been recommended that masks are worn in shops and on public transport in Germany, while in countries including the Czech Republic and Slovakia, they are compulsory.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
What is the best type of mask?What is the best type of mask?
In hospitals, different types of mask offer different grades of protection.In hospitals, different types of mask offer different grades of protection.
The most protective is an FFP3 or, alternatively, an N95 or an FFP2.The most protective is an FFP3 or, alternatively, an N95 or an FFP2.
Experts do not recommend the public use these masks. They are for healthcare workers in close contact with coronavirus patients and at highest risk of encountering infected airborne droplets.Experts do not recommend the public use these masks. They are for healthcare workers in close contact with coronavirus patients and at highest risk of encountering infected airborne droplets.
Other NHS staff in lower-risk situations can wear a surgical mask, latest guidelines say. That means healthcare workers within one metre of a patient with possible or confirmed Covid-19, and it includes staff working in hospitals, primary care, ambulance trusts, community care settings and care homes.Other NHS staff in lower-risk situations can wear a surgical mask, latest guidelines say. That means healthcare workers within one metre of a patient with possible or confirmed Covid-19, and it includes staff working in hospitals, primary care, ambulance trusts, community care settings and care homes.
What else can protect against coronavirus?What else can protect against coronavirus?
Gloves and other protective wear are recommended for NHS staff working in places where they could encounter coronavirus.Gloves and other protective wear are recommended for NHS staff working in places where they could encounter coronavirus.
Again, staff in the highest-risk scenarios are advised to wear fuller protection, rather than a simple apron, gloves, mask and goggles.Again, staff in the highest-risk scenarios are advised to wear fuller protection, rather than a simple apron, gloves, mask and goggles.
The general public are not advised to wear gloves or any other protective gear.The general public are not advised to wear gloves or any other protective gear.
To protect yourself from coronavirus, the NHS recommends:To protect yourself from coronavirus, the NHS recommends: