Thursday, June 18, 2020

Face Masks? The Controversy On Wearing Masks

LABELLE, FL. --  The wearing of face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has in recent weeks, been the subject of controversy as governmental entities, commentators, and news reports give conflicting views on the subject.

While all agree that physical distancing is the very best prevention, mask wearing has yet to be resolved.

Some experts say there are yet no reliable studies on the effectiveness of wearing cloth masks to prevent coronavirus spread.

Factors cited are that coronavirus particles are able to move easily through cloth masks either along the sides or top of the loose fitting masks as one breathes in and out, or through the fabric itself, because particle are small enough to easily pass through. The virus may also be able to enter the eyes, which are not at all protected by cloth masks.

Proponents of wearing cloth masks say that it can't hurt to wear masks, and seems reasonable to do so in public, with a benefit of allowing more social gatherings, and continuation of business openings if everyone wears masks. Governments and politicians in growing numbers seem ready to promote mask wearing in order to rationalize the opening of businesses, sports events, and mass gatherings.

While the CDC and WHO give recommendations for certain situations, any  recommendation to make it a requirement to wear them has not been given.

Links to sources about wearing face masks, their reliability, recommendations and requirements around the world, and more:

https://www.google.com/search?q=wiki+coronavirus+and+masks&rlz - overall discussions and expert advice
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/podcasts-webinars/special-ep-masks - expert's discussion and podcast on lack of evidence for wearing masks to prevent COVID spread

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