Community universal face mask use during the COVID 19 pandemic—from households to travellers and public spaces
C. Raina MacIntyre, Sahar Hasanain
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic grows globally, universal face mask use (UFMU) has become a topic of discussion, with a recommendation made from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for cloth mask use by community members. Other countries and the World Health Organization advise against UFMU. We outline the rationale and evidence supporting UFMU in households, during travel and in crowded public spaces in high transmission community settings.
Topics & Concepts
PandemicMedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Public health2019-20 coronavirus outbreakFace (sociological concept)Transmission (telecommunications)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Disease controlEnvironmental healthDiseaseVirologyNursingInfectious disease (medical specialty)TelecommunicationsOutbreakSociologyComputer sciencePathologySocial scienceInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsCOVID-19 Pandemic Impacts