53m discarded Covid face masks in UK 'could be polluting the sea': Globally 129bn face masks are being used per month
Face masks and COVID-19: don’t let perfect be the enemy of good: There are clear evidential gaps in the science of modes of COVID-19
transmission. Nevertheless, there is compelling evidence that masks can
contribute to the control of COVID-19. Given that face masks are
inexpensive in comparison to the other public health measures being used
to control COVID-19, even a limited effect on transmission would
justify their widespread use. In addition to recommending that people
wear face masks in poorly ventilated, crowded settings or when community
prevalence is high, some health authorities might even consider to
recommend the practice in all settings when in company. The only caveat
relates to potential diversion of scarce supplies for healthcare
settings, in which case alternative forms of facial coverings that are
made of appropriate materials should be considered [1].
