Face masks for the public during the covid-19 crisis
The authors of this analysis article present their arguments for application of the ‘precautionary principle’, and encouraging people to wear face masks on the grounds that there is little to lose, and even limited protection could prevent some transmission and save lives.
Source:
British Medical Journal
SPS commentary:
A linked editorial agrees with the conclusion that given the gravity of the pandemic, indirect evidence of benefit combined with the low risk of harm should outweigh the absence of direct evidence supporting mask wearing by the general public. It looks at the evidence and the potential downsides to this approach.