US Surgeon General says virus risk low, no need for masks

“Seriously people, STOP BUYING MASKS!”

The US Surgeon General Vice Admiral Dr. Jerome Adams reiterated his blaring tweet from the weekend, urging people to “STOP BUYING MASKS.” He says they are “NOT effective” for the general public.

Adams told Americans the risk of the coronavirus to the general public is infinitessimally small, and to stop wearing face masks. He says the best thing people can do to prevent the virus is wash their hands, and that masks might actually increase a person’s risk of contracting the coronavirus if not worn properly.

“You can increase your risk of getting it by wearing a mask if you are not a health care provider.”

“Folks who don’t know how to wear them properly tend to touch their faces a lot. This actually can increase the spread of [the] coronavirus” He also noted that the increased demand for masks puts medical professionals at risk.

The comments come just after the US confirmed its second coronavirus death.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it only recommends masks for select groups of people, specifically: those in a region currently experiencing an outbreak; healthcare workers treating coronavirus patients; and anyone who experiences flu-like symptoms.

In one of two videos posted, the WHO explained most that most people should not wear face masks. It also provided video instructions for how to properly wear one.

For everyone else, other tried-and-true methods of avoiding illness, like steering clear of sick individuals, not touching your face, and regularly washing your hands, are more effective than wearing masks.

“There’s little harm in it, but it’s not likely to be very effective in preventing it.”

SOURCE: CNN | Chiang Rai Times

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