Below is what the World Health Organization has to say on the topic of the use of masks by healthy people out in the general public. The quotes are straight from the guidance document published by the WHO and available on the WHO website at the link at the bottom of this post ("Guidance").
“At the present time, the widespread use of masks by healthy people in the community setting is not yet supported by high quality or direct scientific evidence and there are potential benefits and harms to consider.” (
Guidance, pg. 6.)
Here is the list of the "Potential benefits/advantages" set out on pages 7-8 of the Guidance:
1. “Reduced
potential exposure risk from infected persons
before they develop symptoms." (
Emphasis added). Of course, there is no evidence that there is any such benefit. Indeed, the WHO itself casts doubt on the likelihood of pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic transmission. (
Guidance, pg. 2 (“The available data, to date, on onward infection from cases without symptoms comes from a limited number of studies with small samples that are subject to possible recall bias and for which fomite transmission cannot be ruled out.”).) The WHO further notes that in any event, “individuals would need to be in close proximity to an infected person in a household or at a mass gathering where physical distancing cannot be achieved, to become infected with the virus.” (
Guidance, pg. 6.)
2. “[R]educed potential stigmatization of individuals wearing masks to prevent infecting others (source control) or of people caring for COVID-19 patients in non-clinical settings." [
In other words, not anything to do with the effectiveness against transmission, but to hopefully help certain people not have a sad.]
3. “[M[aking people feel they can play a role in contributing to stopping spread of the virus.” [
Again, not anything to do with the effectiveness against transmission, but rather trying to make people feel all good inside by tricking them into thinking they’re actually doing something wonderful wearing a mask. ]
4. “[R]eminding people to be compliant with other measures (e.g., hand hygiene, not touching nose and mouth). However, this can also have the reverse effect.” [
So they suggest a potential positive effect, but then acknowledge that it could actually do the exact opposite! And sure enough, the reverse of this is one of the harms/disadvantages they identify. More on those below.]
5. “Amidst the global shortage of surgical masks and PPE, encouraging the public to create their own fabric masks may promote individual enterprise and community integration Moreover, the production of non-medical masks may offer a source of income for those able to manufacture masks within their communities. Fabric masks can also be a form of cultural expression, encouraging public acceptance of protection measures in general.” [
Another great one---hey, maybe somebody can make some a buck or two off this scam! Oooh, and maybe people can start wearing masks with team logos, their favorite political slogan, or their favorite Hallmark movie character on them!!]
Now, for the "likely disadvantages of the use of mask by healthy people in the general public" (set out on page 8 of the Guidance):
1. “[P]otential increased risk of self-contamination due to the manipulation of a face mask and subsequently touching eyes with contaminated hands.” [
Yikes, that’s not good!]
2. “[P]otential self-contamination that can occur if nonmedical masks are not changed when wet or soiled. This can create favourable conditions for microorganism to amplify.” [
Uh….]
3. “[P]otential headache and/or breathing difficulties, depending on type of mask used.” [
Doesn't sound fun.]
4. “[P]otential development of facial skin lesions, irritant dermatitis or worsening acne, when used frequently for long hours.” [
Okay…so no evidence that a healthy person wearing a mask does anything helpful, and it could actually increase the risk of transmission, while giving me a headache, making it hard to breathe, and making my face breakout……so why are we doing this?!]
5. “[D]ifficulty with communicating clearly.” [
Just what we need in this country---more trouble communicating with each other!]
6. “[P]otential discomfort.” [
You mean, beside the headache, difficulty breathing, and face breakouts!?!]
7. “[A] false sense of security, leading to potentially lower adherence to other critical preventive measures such as physical distancing and hand hygiene.” [
Oh good, let’s pick something that shows no evidence of helping, that could actually lead to people not doing the things that are shown to help!! Brilliant!!]
8. “[P]oor compliance with mask wearing, in particular by young children.” [
Can’t imagine why given the above there could ever be poor compliance!!]
9. “[W]aste management issues; improper mask disposal leading to increased litter in public places, risk of contamination to street cleaners and environment hazard.” [
So wait, we’re not about the environment now? And, we really should treat our street cleaners better than that.]
10. “[D]ifficulty communicating for deaf persons who rely on lip reading.” [
Oh, so let’s also throw the deaf under the bus with the street cleaners?!?! Why?]
11. “[D]isadvantages for or difficulty wearing them, especially for children, developmentally challenged persons, those with mental illness, elderly persons with cognitive impairment, those with asthma or chronic respiratory or breathing problems, those who have had facial trauma or recent oral maxillofacial surgery, and those living in hot and humid environment.” [
Well, now we’re just piling on to those who are in most of need. Starting to feel reminiscent of what NY, NJ, CT, MA, PA, and MI did to their . . .oh, never mind.]
Advice on the use of masks in the community, during home care and in healthcare settings in the context of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
