(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . A discussion among experts in the UK regarding face mask use in our current time of COVID-19 [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.', 'Backgroundurl Avatar_Large', 'Nickname', 'Joined', 'Created_At', 'Story Count', 'N_Stories', 'Comment Count', 'N_Comments', 'Popular Tags'] Date: 2023-01-23 This article from BBC Science Focus dated January 14th, 2023 discusses the current benefit (or not) of wearing face masks to prevent a covid infection. Link: https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/covid-masks-less-effective-pandemic/ Some quotes from the article: With some calling for all adults to wear face coverings once more, some scientists argue masks now do little to control case numbers. But how accurate are these claims? With fresh concerns surrounding rising flu, Strep A and COVID Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.5 cases, health officials across the UK are scratching their heads over one key question: should we all be wearing masks again? While the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised adults who are displaying symptoms of flu or COVID to wear a face covering, some public figures have advised all healthy adults to wear a mask in certain settings. For instance, in a briefing on 9 January, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stated: “We continue to advise those over the age of 12 should wear face coverings when on public transport or in public indoor spaces.” However, as COVID begins to stabilise in the UK, some scientists have questioned how effective face masks are at controlling current case numbers. Earlier in the pandemic, studies indicated that wearing a face covering can, given the correct material and fit, reduce the wearer’s chance of a COVID infection. However, as the protection is limited, epidemiologists like Hunter argue that face masks effectively only delay infection – particularly with the Omicron variant now in general circulation. As Keith Neal, emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, explains: “The key issue is that COVID is going to be around for years. And the best defence is vaccination and prior infection to some degree. If everyone wore masks, the rate of COVID infections would probably fall slightly. But eventually everyone is going to keep on catching it, depending on who they meet.” [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/1/23/2148784/-A-discussion-among-experts-in-the-UK-regarding-face-mask-use-in-our-current-time-of-COVID-19 Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/