4 ms·

I think one of the things people over-estimate is how much evidence is used in making public health decisions. The UKs advice is to wash hands but not to use a

I think one of the things people over-estimate is how much evidence is used in making public health decisions. The UKs advice is to wash hands but not to use a face mask. Hand washing is essentially free but the cost of producing reusable cotton face masks for every single person would likely be ~ £1 billion. If that is money wasted, it is still extremely small compared to the economic devastation which could cost the UK government ~ £100 billion [1] and the economy as a whole significantly more [1] https://obr.uk/coronavirus-reference-scenario/ https://obr.uk/coronavirus-reference-scenario/

Leherenn 7y ago
I think the reticence to promote masks is that there's not enough of them. It's getting better, but if a month ago they had said "everyone has to wear a mask" it would have been a panic as people can't get hold of them, plus it would have been harder to get some for essential workers. If there had been massive stockpiles available, the message would have likely been different.
heracles 7y ago
The general evidence for washing hands as an effective counter-measure is very very strong. It is a complete no-brainer, while decisions regarding face masks are complex and have to take into account lots of variables.
- barbegal 7y ago
  Can you point to evidence to back up your claim that "The general evidence for washing hands as an effective counter-measure is very very strong." Meta-studies show that the effectiveness of hand washing alone is minimal https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4891197/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4891197/
  - heracles 6y ago
    I think you misread me, I meant "general" as in general counter-measure, not COVID19-specific. Clearly I should have been more precise. In a situation where overload of healthcare is a primary concern, recommending counter-measures against general infections (where hand hygiene qualifies) is a no-brainer.

Leherenn 7y ago

I think the reticence to promote masks is that there's not enough of them. It's getting better, but if a month ago they had said "everyone has to wear a mask" it would have been a panic as people can't get hold of them, plus it would have been harder to get some for essential workers. If there had been massive stockpiles available, the message would have likely been different.

heracles 7y ago

The general evidence for washing hands as an effective counter-measure is very very strong. It is a complete no-brainer, while decisions regarding face masks are complex and have to take into account lots of variables.

barbegal 7y ago
Can you point to evidence to back up your claim that "The general evidence for washing hands as an effective counter-measure is very very strong." Meta-studies show that the effectiveness of hand washing alone is minimal https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4891197/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4891197/
- heracles 6y ago
  I think you misread me, I meant "general" as in general counter-measure, not COVID19-specific. Clearly I should have been more precise. In a situation where overload of healthcare is a primary concern, recommending counter-measures against general infections (where hand hygiene qualifies) is a no-brainer.