To Mask, or Not to Mask?

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of this commentary is to provide an updated insight into the wearing of facemasks and its effectiveness as a public health measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019. Study Design: Current data on masks as protective equipment and new mask guidance was surveyed, as provided by different studies and reports from different countries. Methods: The authors identified several key publications on indications about the utility of facemask wearing were introduced across affected countries since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Despite the constant lack of consistency in facemask wearing policies, empirical observations back up that facemasks have proven to be beneficial for protection of both healthcare workers and the public to prevent COVID-19 spread. Conclusions: When masks are worn and combined with other recommended mitigation measures, they protect not only the most vulnerable population, but the whole community. Recommendations for masks will likely keep varying as more is learned about various mask types and as the pandemic evolves. With the emergence of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants, it is even more important to adopt widespread mask wearing until effective levels of vaccination are achieved.