Masks help to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Observational studies made so far suggest that optimum usage of face masks would result in the reduced risk of spreading COVID-19.

The trials evaluating the use of face mask versus no face mask to prevent COVID-19 indicate that wearing masks in public can efficaciously reduce the emission of virus particles into the environment in respiratory droplets. A systematic review by The Lancet over 172 observational studies in healthcare and non-health-care workers suggests that both N95 and surgical masks have a stronger association with protection than single-layer masks.

Mask wearing is one of the key measures taken by the WHO-China Joint Mission to prevent COVID-19 transmission in China. As a result, there was a considerable reduction in the number of people getting infected by the virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.