6 ms·

WHO said masks don't work

ejstronge 7y ago
Do you have a link to this statement? I've primarily seen various authorities mention the primacy of hand washing, vs saying masks are ineffective.
- e12e 7y ago
  Don't know about gp, but here's what who seems to be saying now: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2...
- vinniejames 7y ago
  Surgeon General https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1233725785283932160 https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/12337257852839321...
AlexandrB 7y ago
Here's what the WHO site[1] says: • If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection. • Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. • Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. • If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly. Nowhere do I see: "Masks don't work". [1] https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2...
- dnissley 7y ago
  I think the first point is what most people are talking about when they're saying the WHO said "masks don't work". "Masks don't work" being short hand for "masks will only help you in these very narrowly defined circumstances."
  - Mirioron 7y ago
    Even the third point is likely to discourage people from using masks. I find it difficult to believe that people with a mask, even if used poorly, see absolutely no benefit from the mask. The mask's presence on your face should already make you less likely to touch your face. Furthermore, the novel coronavirus is not the only thing to worry about. All of the other illnesses are still abound and will likely make you more susceptible to the novel coronavirus.
  - vinniejames 7y ago
    Exactly
- mancerayder 7y ago
  The sense is that they're telling the general public not to use them, and the general public (and apparently, government figures) got that whiff. It's a folly that will be remembered and looked back negatively in history. One of many poor decisions by people in power.
- vinniejames 7y ago
  Surgeon General also said masks aren't effective: https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1233725785283932160 https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/12337257852839321...
deleted 7y ago
[deleted]

Do you have a link to this statement? I've primarily seen various authorities mention the primacy of hand washing, vs saying masks are ineffective.

e12e 7y ago
Don't know about gp, but here's what who seems to be saying now: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2...
vinniejames 7y ago
Surgeon General https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1233725785283932160 https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/12337257852839321...

AlexandrB 7y ago

Here's what the WHO site[1] says: • If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection. • Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. • Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. • If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly. Nowhere do I see: "Masks don't work". [1] https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2...

dnissley 7y ago
I think the first point is what most people are talking about when they're saying the WHO said "masks don't work". "Masks don't work" being short hand for "masks will only help you in these very narrowly defined circumstances."
- Mirioron 7y ago
  Even the third point is likely to discourage people from using masks. I find it difficult to believe that people with a mask, even if used poorly, see absolutely no benefit from the mask. The mask's presence on your face should already make you less likely to touch your face. Furthermore, the novel coronavirus is not the only thing to worry about. All of the other illnesses are still abound and will likely make you more susceptible to the novel coronavirus.
- vinniejames 7y ago
  Exactly
mancerayder 7y ago
The sense is that they're telling the general public not to use them, and the general public (and apparently, government figures) got that whiff. It's a folly that will be remembered and looked back negatively in history. One of many poor decisions by people in power.
vinniejames 7y ago
Surgeon General also said masks aren't effective: https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1233725785283932160 https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/12337257852839321...

deleted 7y ago

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