Masks in COVID-19: let’s unmask the evidence

ABSTRACT

Introduction

One of the main issues in the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been the lack of uniformity of recommendations for the usage of face masks.

Areas covered

While Asian countries started using masks early during the epidemic, most Western countries were slow to do so. To avoid such situations, clear guidelines, need to be established, not only regarding the use of masks but also the type of mask to suit different situations. In this article, we will examine the types of masks and review the recommendations for their use based on the available evidence for each type of mask.

Expert opinion

We explore future needs in research-related mask use in COVID-19 pandemic, improvements to be made in mask design, adopting guidelines for the use of masks and the psycho-social aspects of widespread and prolonged mask use.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• pandemic
• masks
• respiratory protection
• spread
• prevention

Article highlights

• There has been the lack of uniformity of recommendations for the usage of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Recommendations for the use of various type of masks can be made based on the available evidence for each type of mask

  • N95 for aerosol-generating procedures

  • Surgical masks for HCW, patients, and carers of patients

  • Cloth masks for the general public when going out

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.