Description:
The World Health Organization clearly states that medical masks should be for
healthcare workers, not for the general public. But some countries don't agree.
Transcription:
Different countries give different advice when it comes to masks.
Some even want you to make your own. But what does the science say?
Mask on mask off? Well, the World Health Organization which is made up of
thousands of doctors, public health specialists and scientists
from around the world, looks at all the evidence on this subject regularly.
It says, healthy people do not need to wear a facemask
when they go about their daily business. Why not? It says,
in this situation there's no evidence to show that mask stop you from
getting coronavirus. Mask themselves can be actually become
contaminated and infect you. For instance, if you touch something and then
you touch your mask or even your face. Also, masks give a false sense
of security so you may fee better protected than you actually are.
And they say masks may make you less likely to wash your hands or
practice social distancing. And if too many people are buying masks
that aren't going to be enough for those who really need them.
So who should wear a mask? Enter the health and care workers of the world.
Masks like these should be prioritized for them so they
can safely look after sick people. According to WHO,
you should also be wearing a mask if you're at home with coronavirus
symptoms or looking after someone who is ill at home while you're in the same
room as them. But you should make sure that your wear them properly and
dispose them safely. Does everyone agree with WHO?
Well, no. Slovakia and the Czech Republic for example have
made it illegal to leave your home without a mask. In other countries,
wearing masks all the time is just the dhe done thing. This is not really
to do with you protecting yourself but protecting other from you.
This idea is supported by some scientists but it's not supported by the
WHO nor is it backed by the British government. Can I make my own mask?
In America, there's been a shortage of medical masks. People are making
their own out of their own clothes. But the WHO says it doesn't know
whether homemade masks work or not. There's not enough evidence
to make decision but it's something that still looking into. So what's the best
way to stop yourself from catching coronavirus when you leave your house?
It's still all about that hand washing and practicing social distancing.
Questions:
1. For what reasons the World Health Organization say healthy people wear a mask?
2. Who could wear the masks?
3. What law was implemented in Slovakia and the Czech Republic?