I am inclined to agree that it's difficult to form a good opinion here: the information available is horridly imperfect and even conflicting. I saw a news article a couple of days ago that said masks don't help prevent you from getting the virus, yet that very article included a WHO infographic encouraging the public to buy and wear masks. Alas...
The correct particle filter masks will obviously protect. The risk is that by providing that guideline you risk disruption in the supply chain.
There isn't enough world production and stock for the average joe to panic stockpile N95 masks.
The likely reason for this walking back in the recommendation is that 1) most people don't know mask sizes and how to fit a mask 2) if we have a limited stock then priority should be given to health workers who have to handle infected patients on a daily basis.
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I am inclined to agree that it's difficult to form a good opinion here: the information available is horridly imperfect and even conflicting. I saw a news article a couple of days ago that said masks don't help prevent you from getting the virus, yet that very article included a WHO infographic encouraging the public to buy and wear masks. Alas...
The correct particle filter masks will obviously protect. The risk is that by providing that guideline you risk disruption in the supply chain.
There isn't enough world production and stock for the average joe to panic stockpile N95 masks.
The likely reason for this walking back in the recommendation is that 1) most people don't know mask sizes and how to fit a mask 2) if we have a limited stock then priority should be given to health workers who have to handle infected patients on a daily basis.