Expert: Face mask use might have helped other countries deter COVID-19 spread

MANILA, Philippines — Wearing of face masks appears to have contributed to slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus disease in certain countries.

Citing a study from the Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Teodoro Herbosa of the University of the Philippines Diliman said wearing face masks in public helped other nations to flatten the curve of the virus’ transmission.

This is why, he said, they were recommending to the task force that there should be a policy in wearing of face masks as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on.

Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea which imposed guidelines on wearing face masks, have somehow stopped the spread of the virus, Herbosa said in a press briefing on Friday night.

“Nakita natin na napakababa ng epidemic curve. Ito ay maliban sa quarantine measures na ini-implementa ng kanilang bayan” he said.

The study revealed that some of the countries with the most number of COVID-19 cases like the United States, Spain, and Italy, did not have a policy on wearing face masks.

On Thursday, the Philippine government announced the mandatory wearing of face masks but only for those under the enhanced community quarantine, which is Luzon, whenever going out of their houses.

Local government units in this region were tasked to issue ordinances to support the new policy of the for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, and impose penalties for violators if appropriate.

KGA