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There is no scientific support for the statement that masks worn by non-professionals are “not effective”. In contrary, in view of the stated goal to “flatten the curve”, any additional, however partial reduction of transmission would be welcome — even that afforded by the simple surgical masks or home-made (DIY) masks (which would not exacerbate …

Medium: COVID-19: WHY WE SHOULD ALL WEAR MASKS — THERE IS NEW SCIENTIFIC RATIONALE Read More »

“WHO recommends against wearing masks in community settings because of lack of evidence. However, absence of evidence of effectiveness should not be equated to evidence of ineffectiveness, especially when facing a novel situation with limited alternative options. It has long been recommended that for respiratory infections like influenza, affected patients should wear masks to limit …

The Lancet: Mass masking in the COVID-19 epidemic: people need guidance Read More »

A new study from China suggests asymptomatic people spread COVID-19 the most. “Stealth transmission refers to the fact that people who have mild, non-discrete symptoms or are asymptomatic are contributing greatly to the spread of the virus…The new study suggests that two-thirds of the cases may be transmitted in this way, according to their mathematical …

Huffington Post: Act Like You Already Have Coronavirus Read More »

“…the W.H.O. and the C.D.C. told the public to wear masks if they were sick. However, there is increasing evidence of asymptomatic transmission, especially through younger people who have milder cases and don’t know they are sick but are still infectious. Since the W.H.O. and the C.D.C. do say that masks lessen the chances that …

NY Times: Why Telling People They Don’t Need Masks Backfired Read More »

As the spread of the virus accelerates outside East Asia, some experts have called on global health authorities to rethink the role of masking. In an article published in the medical journal Lancet, a group of health researchers argued that the coronavirus has “defied conventional containment strategy” because patients at the early stages of infection …

Inkstone: Coronavirus: health researchers urge global authorities to consider broadening use of face masks. Read More »

“Our findings suggest that a homemade mask should only be considered as a last resort to prevent droplet transmission from infected individuals, but it would be better than no protection.” Article Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24229526