Diamond
Active member
I don't think they are asking people to wear surgical masks. It could be any old scarf or covering. People may be digging out their old Palestinian scarves from university days ?.
I think the advice has changed as a result of a bit more understanding about the virus and thoughts about the purpose of facemasks.
The recommendation that facemasks gave little protection was largely based on the fact that people take them off and fiddle and will be transferring things on it back to themselves anyway. I don't think this has changed much as an idea.
What has changed a bit is the thought of how wearing a facemask can protect others from the wearer.
It is now thought that a fair bit of the transmission may come before people get symptoms. If people are wearing masks they are less likely to project respiratory droplets to others as they will be trapped by the mask.
ie The mask is to protect others not the wearer.
Boris today said he is all for it if it gives people confidence to leave the house. Some people have not left their house for nearly 6 weeks. It could make a huge difference to their well being. Also look at it this way most golfers have pitch mark repairers but how many actually use them properly or at all. Same with face masks, stick a mask on an idiot and he will still infect somebody due to being a thick lout.