July 12, 2020

expert reaction to ministers’ statements on facemasks in shops

There has been continued discussion in the media about ministers statements on whether facemasks will become required in shops in the UK.

Prof Rowland Kao, Sir Timothy O’Shea Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science, University of Edinburgh, said:

“There is a considerable body of scientific evidence that indicate that wearing face masks can play a substantial role in reducing the transmission of COVID-19. In part, this is due to reducing the force with which droplets carrying virus from an infected person are projected, thereby reducing the distance of spread. Basic mechanical principles tell us that, in indoor spaces, where air is relatively still, this effect is even more important. As we move towards larger concentrations of people coming together in indoor spaces, and as the rules on social distancing become relaxed, use of facemasks has a potentially even greater role to play in reducing transmission, thereby keeping infection numbers down, and the size of potential new outbreaks of COVID-19, small.”

Prof Linda Bauld, Professor of Public Health, University of Edinburgh, said:

“The evidence on the role of face coverings in enclosed public places has grown during the Covid-19 pandemic. A number of new studies and systematic reviews have persuaded most researchers and public health officials that they should be worn, including those who were sceptical a few months ago. Growing evidence on potential airborne transmission of the virus adds to the case for face coverings. 

“The government is urging people to get back onto public transport and spend money in shops. Both are enclosed environments where physical distancing may not always be possible. It sends out a confusing message to say face coverings are mandatory in one setting but not the other. In Scotland I’ve already noticed a big difference in the number of people wearing them in shops now that it is required, compared to last week when it was not. Suggesting it is ‘good manners’ to wear one is insufficient. Government ministers need to send the simple message that it is expected. The easiest and clearest way to do this would be to make it compulsory to wear a face covering in shops and other enclosed public places, bearing in mind that there are some groups who would be exempt. This should be accompanied by well-designed public health messaging, to explain why this is needed and what is expected.”

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