COVID-19: Latest WHO guidance on facemasks
07 April 2020
Dr Simon Clarke, an associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading said:
"This welcome review by the WHO of the current data concludes that there is no evidence to suggest that face mask wearing in the community, by healthy people, can protect them from infection with respiratory viruses, including the one causing COVID-19. They go on to point out that such inappropriate use of masks could lead to a false sense of security and cause people to neglect other, essential hygiene and distancing measures. The advice remains that anyone with symptoms should wear a mask, but the UK goes beyond that by telling infected people to stay at home. It remains the case that your front door will contain the virus much more effectively than any face mask."