Coronavirus: Masks are everywhere in Asia, but have they helped?

TOKYO - The use of face masks in Asia during the coronavirus outbreak has been far more widespread than in the West, where governments have urged people to reserve supplies for frontline medical staff, so have they helped limit infections?

In parts of Asia, mask-wearing has been a key response to the outbreak, with Japan's government announcing Wednesday each household would get two reusable cloth versions, and Hong Kongers not only wearing them but sending them to relatives abroad. The use of masks in parts of Asia with relatively low numbers of infections and deaths from the virus, including Japan and Hong Kong, has led some to theorise mask-wearing is making the difference.Ben Cowling, a professor at the University of Hong Kong's School of Public Health, instead credits a range of public health measures implemented in these countries.

"Some places like Singapore have generally done very well without strongly emphasising masks," he noted. "I can envisage a situation where people who are infected and therefore shedding virus, think their mask gives them licence to go out to public places or to work," he told AFP."We all know people who think nothing of bringing colds into work to share with everyone - it will be the same for coronavirus."

That's how China made it under control, which looks surreal to many people, such as Donald Trump.

If u look at Taiwan and HK.... yes it help.

All idiots saying NO dont understand risk/precaution. If masks are useless, we just look stupid and waste money. If mask are useful we prevent covid. We are idiots not to try

Masks have not scientifically proven to help but yet that is the protection we offer our front line workers. A little bit of protection is better than no protection. I'd rather wear a mask and protect myself and the people around me than to go out without one.

Nope

So far the masks has not proven Anything about Virus transmission

Yes they helped. That is why Asia have a better control as compare to other countries

Certainly! Just look at Macau, it’s mandatory for commuters who travel in bus, taxis, entering of casino! It’s strategy works, now less than 50 infected. Since CNA said masks are everywhere in Asia, I dun think it’s hard for 🇸🇬 Govt to purchase for its people. Am I right? 😅🙏

Asia’s lower rates of infections is a result of early reaction and preparedness. Maybe we should ask instead: Will Singapore’s infection rates be lower if we all wore masks? Probably ‘No’. If Singaporeans are more responsible, will rates be lower? Ans: ‘Yes’.

'Advocating mask usage, he fears, could also embolden people who are reluctant to adhere to social distancing measures. 'I can envisage a situation where people who are infected ... think their mask gives them licence to go out to public places or to work ...'

Nope.

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