There have been a number of conflicting opinions on whether or not face masks can prevent the transmission of COVID-19. The World Health Organisation (WHO) admits there is some evidence to suggest they can prevent infections, but do not explicitly recommend them. Instead, WHO says masks should be work by those who are feeling unwell and are coughing and sneezing, as well as those caring for an infected person.
The WHO said: “Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-washing with alcohol bases hand rubs or soap and water.”
The Robert Koch Insitute (RKI) said despite there being little evidence in terms of self-protection, covering the mouth and nose with a mask can trap infectious droplets and preventing them from travelling.
In some Asian nations such as China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, masks were commonplace even before the pandemic, due to the incredibly high levels of pollution.
However, the majority of countries around the world who have seen severe cases of coronavirus, are instructing residents and visitors to wear masks at all times.
Which countries will you have to wear a face mask in?
The British Government has recently introduced the mandatory wearing of masks for the first time since the pandemic.
Residents have been forced to wear masks on public transport since June 15, while they will be made compulsory in shops from July 25.
A 50-page Government coronavirus plan states: “As more people return to work, there will be more movement outside people’s immediate households.
“This increased mobility means the Government is now advising that people should aim to wear a face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible, and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet, for example on public transport or in some shops.”
The countries in which you have to wear face masks:
China
Japan
Some parts of the United States
Germany
France
India
Italy
Brazil
Canada
Russia
South Korea
Spain
Mexico
Indonesia
Netherlands
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Saudi Arabia
Turkey
Switzerland
Taiwan
Poland
Belgium
Argentina
Thailand
Austria
United Arab Emirates
Nigeria
Israel
South Africa
Singapore
Hong Kong
Colombia
Philippines
Pakistan
Chile
Bangladesh
Egypt
Czech Republic
Vietnam
Portugal
Romania
Iraq
Peru
Greece
Qatar
Kazakhstan
Algeria
Kuwait
Ukraine
Morocco
Ecuador
Slovakia
Angola
Cuba
Sri Lanka
Kenya
Dominican Republic
Ethiopia
Oman
Guatemala
Myanmar
Luxembourg
Ghana
Bulgaria
Panama
Costa Rica
Uruguay
Lebanon
Slovenia
Lithuania
Serbia
Uzbekistan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Azerbaijan
Cote d’Ivoire
Paraguay
Tunisia
Bolivia
Cameroon
Bahrain
Latvia
Zimbabwe
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