There seems to be a lot of controversy over people wearing face masks, with some experts telling the government to wear them and others warning against.
The World Health Organization (WHO) are advising governments across the globe against wearing them, and experts and ministers have said they need to prioritised for frontline workers.
However, many European countries are making it essential to wear face masks in public places, and Sadiq Khan the Mayor of London wants to introduce this across the capitals transport system.
Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners warns there is a risk that fit and healthy could increase the risk of becoming infected.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Professor Marshall said, “There’s no research evidence to support wearing masks if you are basically fit and well, indeed if people wear masks there’s a risk they play around with it, they play with their eyes more and maybe you’re even at a higher risk of picking up an infection.
“However, it is common sense that if they are coughing and spluttering then it makes complete sense to wear masks in order to protect other people.
“I think the guidance that we’re expecting to hear is that the wearing of face masks is a voluntary activity not mandated and it certainly makes a lot of sense to focus limited resources that we have at the moment on those who have the greatest need and that’s the health professionals.
“This sophisticated kit is likely to be more rigorous, more useful, but actually it’s perfectly reasonable to wear a bandana around your mouth or whatever, that will work. It won’t be quite as good, but it will be good enough.”
The government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) are expected to discuss the use of face masks at their regular Thursday meeting.
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