Should face masks be compulsory in public places?

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Should face masks be compulsory in public places?

Date: 23 April 2020

What do scientists say?

Initially scientist believed that there was no need for us to wear a face mask. This was based on the assumption that Covid-19 would act in a similar way to influenza. Covid-19, however, is a new virus and is like nothing that has gone before.

It is now becoming apparent that, although wearing a mask might not protect you from Covid-19, it may protect others if you have the virus. You may not know that you have it because you have few or no symptoms but that does not mean you cannot infect others. Some evidence suggests that a piece of cloth placed around your mouth and nose could be helpful in slowing the virus’s spread.

One study suggests that if somebody with Covid-19 wearing a cotton mask were to cough on someone 8 inches away then the amount of virus transmitted would be reduced by 36 times. The scientists who discovered this considered it “ineffective”. It is believed that “decreasing the viral load, is likely to lead to a lower probability of infection, and fewer symptoms if infected”. If it results in such a reduction in probability of infections, I would not say that it is ineffective. This is, however, just one study.

What do politicians say?

A few countries across Europe have started to lift their lockdowns. As they do, the wearing of masks is being required. In Austria masks are required in shops. In Germany Angela Merkel said that masks should be worn on public transport and in shops.

The UK Government is not currently advising the wearing of masks but Sir Patrick Vallance, a chief scientific adviser, has admitted that this is under review. World Health Organisation scientist, Dr David Nabarro believes that we are going to have to get used to the “new reality” of wearing masks in public. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has called on the Government to change its guidance on face masks. He has said that it should be compulsory while travelling in London.

What I believe

I believe that the wearing of masks would have been more widespread had it not been for the fact that they are in such short supply.

I am sure that everyone will agree that frontline healthcare workers should be given first priority for face masks. They are in very close proximity to people who have severe symptoms of the virus. Their requirement is for the higher standard surgical masks. It could be argued that the next priority should be key workers who, although not working as close, do have a lot of contact with people who may have the virus. This would include check out staff in supermarkets and bus drivers.

Until a sufficient number of cloth masks, possibly washable, are available, it has been suggested that we could wrap an old t-shirt around the bottom of our faces. I can not see this happening. Mind you 6 months ago I wouldn’t have thought that people would have so readily accepted the restrictions that has been placed on us.

Should face masks be compulsory in public places?

Some studies have suggested that wearing face masks encourages social distancing because it is a reminder of the danger. Other studies have suggested it discourages social distancing as it gives a false sense of security. I believe that social distancing will be a part of our lives for quite a period of time after the lockdown has been lifted. I don’t think that facial coverings can become compulsory but I agree with the Mayor of London. Given that any form of facial covering is beneficial, it should be compulsory on public transport, not just in London but everywhere. I also believe that it should be compulsory in supermarkets.

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