In times of crisis, panic is understandable, even if it’s counter-productive. If there’s one thing we can all be certain of, it’s this: we can beat the Coronavirus crisis only if we ALL come together in our response to it. Sadly, in the last few weeks, we’ve witnessed panic-induced bulk buying of masks, sanitizers, hand rubs, and hand washes.
But before we stock up on masks, it’s important to find out what purpose -- if any -- they serve in preventing the spread of Coronavirus and COVID-19. Here are the ONLY things you need to know about face masks in the times of coronavirus.
Fact #1: ONLY Healthcare Professionals And Caregivers Need To Wear Masks
For the past several weeks, the World Health Organisation has repeatedly put out notices emphasising that in the case of healthy people, only those who might be taking care of patients suspected of having COVID-19 need to wear masks. Basically, doctors, nurses, and other caregivers of unwell people. The rest of us can… chill!
Fact #2: There’s NO Scientific Evidence That Masks Can Prevent COVID-19
Sadly, masks can only serve as a barrier between your face and the outside world, very rarely the coronavirus itself. Also, if you’re going to be in a crowd, even that little barrier isn’t going to help. So social distancing and self-quarantining are far more protective than any mask can be. That being said, if you suspect yourself to be infected, or are interacting with a COVID-19 patient, that "somewhat barrier" is advisable because something is better than nothing.
Fact #3: Not All Face Masks Are Equally Effective Or Ineffective
According to experts, regular surgical masks don't really do much to protect you against the virus. There are more specialised masks thicker than the average surgical face mask and more equipped to prevent transmission, such as the N95 respirator. Even so, global health experts still haven’t recommended them for general public use.
Fact #4: Careless Use Of Face Masks INCREASES The Risk of Transmission
Some medical experts believe that face masks can actually increase the risk of transmission instead of decreasing it. Imagine scenarios where you take off the mask and it comes in prolonged contact with a surface with the virus. Then you place the mask right on your mouth and nose… You see where this is going?
Final Verdict
Image Courtesy - Consumer Reports
A face mask is not an iron-clad weapon against COVID-19, at best, it is helpful to a limited extent under special circumstances. Wear a face mask if you’re sick and have compromised immunity, suspect yourself to be exposed or infected, or are taking care of a diagnosed patient. In any other healthy scenario, washing hands frequently and practising social distancing is a lot more effective!