The COVID-19 is still expanding rapidly. Very recently, Japan government declared an emergency at last. Prevention from further spread of the novel corona virus is essential to keep our community functional.
Wearing a mask is generally believed as a precaution from transmitting viruses. In Japan, many people wear a mask in winter. I myself, wear a mask not only for viruses but also for mitigating the symptoms of hay fever in early spring.
But wearing a mask was not so common in Western countries. I seldom saw people with a mask in the UK even in cold days.
Regarding COVID-19, the effectiveness of wearing a mask is still controversial. Previously, many government did not recommended people to wear a mask because of its doubtful effect of preventing transmission. Also, if many people buy surgical masks, people at high risks such as medical practitioners cannot get ones.
However, as being revealed of asymptomatic infected persons, officials had to change the policy. Now, several governments ask citizens to wear a mask when going out.
South China Morning Post: To mask or not to mask: WHO makes U-turn while US, Singapore abandon pandemic advice and tell citizens to start wearing masks
It is not easy to examine the preventing effect of a mask exactly. In my sense, wearing a mask is somehow beneficial.
On the other hand, there are not enough amount of masks to all citizens. Indeed, I never see masks sold at a drug store for these weeks. Some worrying people can monopoly the masks. Otherwise, some distribution can be crippled.
Japan government has decided to deliver a couple of reusable masks to all citizens. I believe this act is admirable, at least among some realistic solutions.
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