Going out? Take a face covering
AT LONG last, it is being widely accepted that wearing a face covering may help reduce the spread of Covid-19. Some countries have done better than others at keeping infections comparatively low. And they tend to be where masks are widely worn. In Japan, for example, wearing a face covering is nothing new. During flu and hay fever seasons, trains are crowded with commuters half-hidden behind face masks. It is seen as a responsible thing to do to protect oneself and others. On June 5, there was a big shift in the World Health Organisation’s guidance on face masks. For months, the WHO had stuck to the line that masks would encourage a false sense of security. But recent evidence suggests that people can be highly infectious in the few days before they show symptoms, and some people catch the virus but are asymptomatic. So in situations where it is hard to social distance, for example on public transport and in some shops or other crowded or confined environments, the WHO now suggests that a face covering is worn to reduce the risk of passing on infection. And those over 60 with underlying health conditions are advised to wear medical-grade masks to protect themselves. The WHO has always advised that medical face masks should be worn by those who are sick or caring for anyone that is unwell. The UK government recently announced that hospital staff, visitors and outpatients must wear face coverings. And everyone must now wear a face covering on public transport.