Memphis-area governments say some people should wear masks in public
When the first novel coronavirus case in Shelby County was announced at an unusual Sunday morning news conference three weeks ago, Dr. Steve Threlkeld of Baptist Memorial Health Care said there was no need for the public to wear face masks, saying masks have never proven effective as protection.
On Sunday, though, Memphis-area governments issued a statement saying that some people should wear surgical masks in public — particularly if they're sick or if they are elderly, have medical problems or a weak immune system.
The statement goes on to say that even though there's no strong evidence that other members of the public should wear face masks in public, if they would like to do so, go ahead and consider it.
The statement is attributed to the Joint COVID-19 Task Force, a coalition of local governments, hospitals and other agencies, and was released by the office of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland.
“In general, masks should be used in public by those who are ill and caregivers of persons with a respiratory illness,” the statement from the task force says.
“During a pandemic with sustained community transmission, masks should also be worn by individuals who are elderly, have multiple medical problems or have a weak immune system.”
The phrase “sustained community transmission” applies to Memphis — officials have said the new virus is spreading in the community here.
The local guidance in Memphis reflects a debate at the national and international level.
The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control maintain that masks don't necessarily protect healthy people from getting sick, the New York Times recently reported.
But some experts are challenging that statement, arguing that face masks could offer some protection.
Top Chinese official in coronavirus fight says people should wear masks
Science Magazine recently landed an interview with George Gao, directorgeneral of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Chinese agency that's been fighting the outbreak in the country where it originated.
“The big mistake in the U.S. and Europe, in my opinion, is that people aren't wearing masks,” said Gao, who has a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Oxford and also studied immunology and virology at Oxford and Harvard University.
“Many people have asymptomatic or presymptomatic infections. If they are wearing face masks, it can prevent droplets that carry the virus from escaping and infecting others.”
Full statement on masks
Here's the full statement from the Memphis area's Joint COVID-19 Task Force, released Sunday:
“Facial Covering or Mask Guidance for General Public: Surgical masks are proven to reduce the transmission of infection.
“Masks serve two functions. First not transmitting infection to others and, second, not becoming infected with an infection.
“In general, masks should be used in public by those who are ill and caregivers of persons with a respiratory illness.
“During a pandemic with sustained community transmission, masks should also be worn by individuals who are elderly, have multiple medical problems or have a weak immune system.
“At present there is no clear strong evidence for the general public to wear a mask, however, given widespread transmission of COVID-19, the general public may consider using a mask (when available) or a facial covering.
“All individuals should practice hand hygiene and maintain a distance of six feet to reduce the risk of infection. Masks may serve as additional protection when combined with other preventive measures.”