Experts for wearing face masks against spread of coronavirus

A working group of researchers on Wednesday called on the country's people to use face masks to curb the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, reported news agency Xinhua.

"Current research strongly suggests that the use of masks is beneficial and that masks are one of the most useful and cost-effective ways in managing the COVID-19 pandemic," said a group of 59 Finnish medical experts and scientists in a public letter published on Wednesday.

The working group of researchers called "Eroon Koronasta" (meaning "Get rid of Corona") concluded that the use of face masks helps save lives, preserve jobs and slow down the spread of the pandemic.

They argued that the use of masks reduces the amount of virus transmitted both symptomatically and asymptomatically, and thereby reducing the likelihood of mask users infecting others.

"The more people use the masks, regardless of its quality, the greater the importance of masks in suppressing the epidemic at the population level," they added.

According to the experts, in addition to surgical masks, fabric masks are also useful in curbing the spread of disease-causing droplets.

So far, the government has not provided a clear guideline for the public on the use of face masks.

According to a government review report prepared on the basis of evidence gathered by research published on May 29, the effect of using face coverings on the spread of respiratory infections among people is minor.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has drawn up the report on the use of face coverings to prevent coronavirus infections and submitted it to the government.

However, a science panel set up by the government recommended on Tuesday the use of face masks in public places and on public transport in combating the infections of COVID-19, until vaccines are available.