Medical officer: ‘Use cloth masks with caution’

Wednesday 01 April 2020

Jersey’s top medical officer has said cloth masks “do not do any harm” provided wearers follow strict guidance about their use, as many islanders take to their sewing machines to hand-make the coverings.

Dr Ivan Muscat, who is leading the island’s health response to the virus outbreak, has issued a statement about the use of handmade masks in which he warns against overstating how well they work, but says if used properly, they aren’t harmful.

It follows a video from a local paediatrician backing the growing ‘Masks4All’ movement, after he was persuaded by initial evidence that even handmade masks could slow the spread of covid-19.

The movement comes on the heels of countries like the Czech Republic making mask-wearing mandatory for anyone leaving their houses. 

Responding to the increasing popularity of wearing handmade masks locally, Dr Muscat first warned: “...There is limited direct data and evidence on the use of cloth masks and the effect they have on reducing the spread of corona virus within the community, so it would not be appropriate to produce a definite direction that these must be used."

He later added: “However, they may very well provide benefit and reduce transmission and they do not do any harm if used properly so some general advice for those who choose to use them is appropriate.” 

The senior health official then advised islanders who choose to wear homemade masks how they can be used safely.

Currently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) does not recommend the use of medical masks for everyone as they can give a false sense of protection and, in some cases, even become a source of infection if not worn or disposed of correctly. 

Video: The World Health Organization has clear guidance on the use of medical masks (YouTube/WHO).

Dr Muscat emphasised that, if you choose to wear a mask, it is “absolutely not a substitute for appropriate social distancing, stay at home guidance or good hand and respiratory hygiene."

Giving instructions how to correctly use a cloth mask, Dr Muscat said: “Using a cloth mask may well reduce the transmission of large respiratory droplets onto others. They may also reduce the risk of the wearer acquiring infection. However, they must be used appropriately to avoid further contamination, including, being changed every two hours, washed, tumble dried and ironed. Wash your hands after removing a mask. Scarves and snoods covering the mouth and nose may also be effective.”

However, the Medical Officer of Health urged that cloth masks are only suitable for members of the community and “under no circumstances” would it be classed as medical grade protection in any clinical setting.

“Medical grade [personal protection equipment] PPE is the only acceptable form of PPE in these settings. Medical grade masks are not recommended for use by the public or in social situations. They are designed for clinical use only.”