New WHO study confirms face masks are effective in reducing COVID-19 spread

Researchers whoreviewed 172 studies aboutthe effectiveness of masks, eye protectionand physical distancing in decreasing the spread of COVID-19 confirmwhat many health officials have already been saying: They work.

The World Health Organization-funded study looked at research carried out in 16 countries on six continentsin order to prepare clear guidance on the issue.

Dr. David Harris, a Vancouver infectious disease physician and one of the report's co-authors, said the study provides confidence that "the people who are making the recommendations are making them based on sound science."

"It's been confusing for a lot of people around mask use," said Harris. "From this review, we've found masking, or wearing any type of mask in the community doeshelp ... mitigate that risk of transmission in the community, as well as in health care settings."

In British Columbia, early advice on wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 discouraged their use inthe community, with the caution that they can give the person wearing a mask a false sense of security, and lead to extra face touching to adjust the mask.

In April, the message began to shift, and by late Maymasks were recommended in instances where physical distancing couldn't be maintained.

The new study confirms masks are effective both in health care and community settings.

Harris saidthere were initiallymask shortages around the worldwhich may have influencedthe messages put out by health officials.

Harris said any type of mask is going to help reduce transmission of COVID-19 in the community.

"When I see somebody wearing a mask, I feel happy that they're wearing a mask because I know that they're if they have it over their faceand they cough or sneeze they're protecting me," he said.

Harris said people who wear a mask improperly, leave it hanging around their chinor frequently adjustit, risk infecting themselves. But as long as they put it in front of their face when close toother people, they're reducing therisk of spreading the virus.

The WHO document thatprovides guidance based on the new study suggests ways to make more effective non-medical masks to be worn in the community.

It says non-elastic materials should be used to avoid increasing itspore sizeand multiple layers are important. Depending on the material, at least three layers should be used.

The WHO recommends a mask that fits snugly around the edges, with an inner layer made out of a fabric like cotton that absorbs moisture, and an outer layer made from polypropylene or polyester that repels moisture.