Opinion: Why are masks not yet mandatory in Australia?
that "there is more evidence supporting face mask use in the community than hand hygiene including in randomised controlled trials which compare both interventions directly, so it is inconsistent to advocate hand hygiene as a sound principle but not masks".Some may have concerns that recommending or requiring mask use may cause a run on medical masks, which are in short supply. However, this concern has not been borne out in practice.
Australia is a country that is rightly proud of its heritage of exceptional scientific and medical achievements. Australia's rapid response to COVID-19, with effective lockdown and quarantine, has made it the envy of much of the world. Now is not the time to throw that good work away, when a strong response is most needed.
Jeremy Howard is an Australian currently working as a distinguished research scientist at the University of San Francisco.Medical Journal of AustraliaThe most important news, analysis and insights delivered to your inbox at the start and end of each day. Sign up to
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