Swedish Top Scientist Warns Against Relying on Masks to Stop COVID-19
According to Sweden’s top infectious disease expert, masks may not be effective at stemming the spread of COVID-19, and can even be more harmful than helpful as users tend to use masks as a crutch and avoid other measures that may be more effective because they feel secure in the masks.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has thrown its entire weight behind mask wearing to stop the spread of COVID-19, recommending that people wear masks any time they are with people outside of their home and when social-distancing measures are difficult to maintain. They even suggest wearing masks when it is possible to maintain a six-foot distance from others.
But Anders Tegnell, chief epidemiologist at Sweden’s Public Health Agency, notes there is little evidence that masks are effective, citing Sweden’s success in slowing the spread of the virus without the use of masks....