(no subject)

I can't believe this simple idea can be so controversial in the west, while totally obvious in the east.

Every time people cough, sneeze, talk or even breathe they can spread droplets containing the virus.

That’s the rather graphic conclusion of the Royal Society, Britain’s oldest and most prestigious scientific academy.

It highlights the risk of the virus being spread by people who don’t realise they have it - either because they’ve yet to develop symptoms or because they never show symptoms at all.

This is how an estimated 40-80% of coronavirus infections happen and that’s why the panel recommends face masks.

The report stresses that high-quality masks should be reserved for medical and care workers.

But it says homemade face coverings can be effective, not at protecting the wearer but at preventing the wearer from infecting others where social distancing isn’t possible, on public transport and in shops and workplaces.

The issue has become highly divisive. Some researchers say the Royal Society’s report has ignored the risk to the public, for example, of contaminating themselves when handling masks.

The UK government is still considering the evidence.

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-52525531