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Coronavirus: Should we all be wearing masks now? Coronavirus: Should we all be wearing masks now?
(2 days later)
Face masks can help stop the spread of coronavirus, in the right circumstances. The UK government's scientific advisers are considering what to tell ministers about whether the public should wear face masks when out.
As the government's scientific advisers discuss whether the public should be urged to wear masks, what is the evidence about how useful they are? The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) has been discussing issues like how to protect the supply of medical face masks - including the idea of people covering their faces with scarves or homemade masks.
Why doesn't everyone wear a mask now?Why doesn't everyone wear a mask now?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that only two groups of people should wear protective masks, those who are: The World Health Organization (WHO) says only two groups of people should wear protective masks, those who are:
It says medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers.It says medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers.
Masks are not recommended for the general public because:Masks are not recommended for the general public because:
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control agrees that medical face masks should be prioritised for healthcare workers. But it says non-surgical face masks worn by the public might help control the spread of infection by people who are contagious but do not yet have symptoms. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control agrees that medical face masks should be prioritised for healthcare workers. But it says non-surgical face masks might help stop the spread of coronavirus by people who are contagious but have no symptoms.
This might be particularly useful in busy, closed spaces, such as grocery stores, shopping centres, or when using public transport, it says. This might be particularly useful in busy spaces, such as grocery stores, shopping centres, and on public transport, it says.
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.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?
The UK government is not currently advising most people to wear masks. The UK government is not advising most people to wear masks, but has said it will consider what its scientific advisers say.
However, its chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance confirmed the issue was under review, and the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) is set to make recommendations to ministers. At the weekend, more than 100 doctors wrote a letter to The Times saying they were "alarmed at official inaction over the need for the public to wear homemade face masks".
At the weekend, a group of more than 100 UK doctors wrote an open letter to The Times saying they were "alarmed at official inaction over the need for the public to wear homemade face masks", which could be made by volunteer groups.
They said it was "illogical" to advise people to wear masks if they are showing symptoms, but not if they appear symptom-free.They said it was "illogical" to advise people to wear masks if they are showing symptoms, but not if they appear symptom-free.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has already urged people to use non-medical face coverings, such as a scarf or bandana, when social distancing is not possible. He said this would reduce the chances of passing on the virus. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged people to use non-medical face coverings, such as a scarf or bandana, when social distancing is not possible.
The WHO has not changed its advice, but its special envoy Dr David Nabarro has said he believes that "some form of facial protection is going to become the norm" across society. And while the WHO has not changed its advice, its special envoy Dr David Nabarro believes that "some form of facial protection is going to become the norm" across society.
However, Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, has warned that the widespread use of face masks by the public could put NHS supplies at risk. What face masks are used by health workers?
He said that given the huge global demand for masks, there would need to be "clear evidence" to justify recommending wider use. The widespread use of face masks by the public could put NHS supplies at risk, says Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers.
Where am I supposed to get a face mask? In hospitals, different types of mask offer different grades of protection. The most protective is an FFP3 or, alternatively, an N95 or an FFP2.
Plenty of websites are selling medical face masks online, despite the official guidance that these should be reserved for healthcare workers. NHS staff in lower-risk situations can wear a surgical mask. This includes healthcare workers within one metre of a patient with possible or confirmed Covid-19. These staff may be in hospitals, primary care, ambulance trusts, community care settings and care homes.
Many High Street pharmacies do not appear to have any stocks of masks. Where am I supposed to get a mask?
Some masks are still available online, but it can be difficult to know how safe they are and prices are often high.
Masks are out of stock in many High Street pharmacies as are those used for home improvements in many DIY stores.
And Health Minister Matt Hancock has said that, unlike in France, the government cannot promise free masks for the general public if required. "It would be an extraordinary undertaking," he said.
What about homemade face masks?What about homemade face masks?
There is lots of advice on how to make face masks online. If wearing homemade masks is recommended, there is lots of advice online on how to make them.
Suggestions include using common household items, such as cotton fabric from old T-shirts or bedding.Suggestions include using common household items, such as cotton fabric from old T-shirts or bedding.
However, homemade masks are not regulated, whereas officially-made ones have to meet safety requirements.However, homemade masks are not regulated, whereas officially-made ones have to meet safety requirements.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
What are other countries doing?What are other countries doing?
Rules on face masks have been introduced in a number of countries, for example:Rules on face masks have been introduced in a number of countries, for example:
What is the best type of mask?
In hospitals, different types of mask offer different grades of protection.
The most protective is an FFP3 or, alternatively, an N95 or an FFP2.
Experts do not recommend the public use these masks, which are for healthcare workers in close contact with coronavirus patients.
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 regular and through hand washing, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and not touching your face with unwashed hands.To protect yourself from coronavirus, the NHS recommends regular and through hand washing, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and not touching your face with unwashed hands.