COVID-19 Update: Are Face Masks Here To Stay Even After The Pandemic? – Tatler Philippines

Face masks were already commonplace in many Asian countries well before the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting people from illnesses, allergies or pollution. This cultural singularity, which seemed a world away from the norms in Western countries, helped boost responsiveness with widespread mask-wearing when the global health crisis began one year ago.

But this cultural exception may soon no longer be one at all. In fact, despite the constraints of wearing a face covering over mouth and nose all day long, many people could now be ready to adopt face masks long-term. Admittedly, the absenceor near absenceof winter epidemics like flu and gastroenteritis in many countries worldwide, may contribute to the appeal.

A new survey of over 2,000 Americans by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals a certain desire to continue some current health precautions in the name of public health, even once the pandemic is over. Almost three-quarters of Americans polled (72 per cent) said that they plan to continue to wear masks in public, and 80 per cent will still avoid crowds.

"While the progress we're making toward recovery is exciting, it's critical that we don't ease up on the precautions that we know have worked thus far," said Dr Iahn Gonsenhauser, chief quality and patient safety officer at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. "Masks and physical distancing are still our best weapons for limiting spread and, now that we have a vaccine, will make those precautions even more effective and will drive new cases way down if we stay the course."

Another, not insignificant finding is that 90 per cent of people polled plan to keep up frequent handwashing and sanitiser use after COVID-19gestures which, if ongoing, could have an impact on several seasonal epidemics.

Go here to see the original:

COVID-19 Update: Are Face Masks Here To Stay Even After The Pandemic? - Tatler Philippines