Face Masks Won't Increase Spread of COVID-19

Misbar's investigation shows that the original article from Businessinsider.com now contains an editor’s note advising, “Since this story’s publication, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that Americans wear cloth masks or face coverings when in public to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus.” 

The CDC now advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. The theory is that since the coronavirus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets or close contact, the masks covering the nose and mouth will prevent respiratory droplets from infecting others. 

The research to support the wearing of masks in a non-hospital setting is still sparse. According to the British Medical Journal, “Very little good quality research exists on the use of cloth masks, especially in non-medical settings.” Researchers from the University of Hong Kong have found the ability of surgical masks to reduce the coronavirus in respiratory droplets and aerosols. However, this is a preliminary review that has not undergone a peer review. 

Preliminary information is indicating that wearing face masks could help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Masks are not suspected of increasing the spread of Covid-19. The article from Businessinsider.com that was reposted on Facebook has already been changed by the editorial staff to reflect new guidelines.