Should we wear face masks?

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Does the wearing of face masks by the public prevent the transmission of coronavirus in the community? Professor Robert West of University College London’s Institute of Epidemiology has participated in a review of more than 20 studies on this important question. The analysis concludes that the evidence is equivocal. In other words, based on current evidence, Prof West feels we cannot say whether mask wearing is a beneficial thing to do. It cannot be ruled out that masks may in fact increase the spread of the virus through communities. This week’s Health Check guest epidemiologist Professor Matthew Fox of Boston University offers an alternative perspective. Also in the show, the role of respiratory physiotherapists in helping seriously ill covid-19 patients to recover: the increased risk of serious covid illness for people with diabetes: comments on the experimental drug remdesivir: and a lesson from South Korea on making workplaces safe for returning workers. Health Check was presented by Claudia Hammond Producer: Andrew Luck-Baker (Picture: A young woman wearing a protective face mask on the street. Photo credit: mladenbalinovac/Getty Images.)