Though the writer of the article linked by JohnM had studied the evidence on mask wearing which most commentators have not
done.The article was based a lot on the work of 2 professors at Bond University-one of Medicine the other of Public Health who did the work on looking at research on mask wearing and prevention of respiratory infections.Posting 2 links as each article gives slightly different summaries of their work.
While there may be benefits to wearing face masks in some situations, the evidence doesn’t support wearing them all the time.
theconversation.com
While there may be benefits to wearing face masks in some situations, the evidence doesn’t support wearing them all the time.
theconversation.com
Should members of the public be wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic? It's a controversial question, with different countries and authorities giving different advice.
www.sciencealert.com
Now the research at Bond University was first published in early April when the circumstances were totally different from now.Interestingly they also put out another press release that didn't get much press but really should have been taken notice of.
bond.edu.au
So in the next pandemic it is likely we will be having the same arguments re mask wearing etc.
Then there is this summary of expert opinion in Australia.
EXPERT REACTION: Should masks become mandatory in Melbourne? As lockdown begins in Melbourne, questions are being raised about whether masks should be made mandatory in public places to help stem the rates of COVID-19, as is the case in a number of countries overseas. Below, Australian expe
www.scimex.org
Interesting most did not go for mandatory mask wearing in
Melbourne.Two of the most insistent on mandatory masks were an IVF expert and the Uni of NSW Law faculty.
There are other factors that often are not
mentioned.For health staff looking after Covid patients masks are just one part of PPE.Goggles are also worn as infection can enter through the
eyes.Plus protective clothing.
The other lesson that hasn't been learn't is proper protection for those in Aged Care
facilities.In Melbourne early this month PPE should have been supplied to Aged Care facilities to be worn by staff and visitors to try and stop the introduction of Covid to the
facility.In most cases it is a worker often working at more than one facility who initially introduces the infection.
The other problem is that with the mandatory wearing of masks in Melbourne they are policing the less important times to wear a
mask.Most large public indoor gatherings are in lockdown but still places like supermarkets where they are
needed.But it is the indoor private meetings where most of the virus has been shared.Obviously impossible to properly enforce this area.