Do masks make any difference?

CAN someone please explain the science and reasoning behind the mass wearing of masks because ever since our increasingly authoritarian leaders told us they were compulsory in certain settings Covid rates have been going up?

Nor has mask wearing resulted in falling infection rates in other comparable countries, such as France and Spain, where they are hurtling towards a second wave.

Maybe England’s deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries was right when she said in March that people may be more at risk from wearing a face mask due to the virus getting trapped. Here in Wales we held off from mask wearing even longer due to the scientific advice.

Now the experts seem to have changed their minds, which suggests that “the science” is sketchy at best.

With such conflicting advice, no wonder the politicians bumble along from one flawed policy to another, yet it is they who are criticised for U-turns rather than the scientists.

To anyone who accuses me of being a Coviddenier, I would point out I have taken precautions against contracting this nasty virus right from the start, avoiding crowds and public transport, and regularly sanitising my hands – basically using common sense. I have also had a flu jab for the first time and have started taking Vitamin D supplements in an effort to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

But masks? Sorry, I will wear one only because it is compulsory but am sceptical as to its efficacy. PJ Brown Bridgend