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A senior paediatrician in Jersey has joined a growing movement calling for all islanders to wear homemade medical masks during their limited time out of the house.
Consultant Paediatrician Dr David Lawrenson has added his voice to the emerging ‘Masks4All’ movement in Jersey as initial studies elsewhere suggest that even homemade masks could offer protection against the virus – although this is not currently the official health advice.
Currently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advice states that the only individuals who should be wearing medical masks are:
Video: The World Health Organisation's official advice on the use, wearing and disposal of medical masks (YouTube/WHO).
Dr April Baller from the WHO Health Emergencies Programme states: “Masks alone can give you a false feeling of protection and can even be a source of infection when not used correctly.”
The WHO also recommend that medical masks should only be used in combination with thorough hand washing and wearers should follow their guidance on how to handle, put on and dispose of a mask.
Despite these caveats, medical professionals and other members of the public in Jersey are calling for masks to become a more common sight in the island as initial research elsewhere is giving early indications that it may have an effect on the rate of infection.
Many are pointing to the Czech Republic where it’s compulsory that everyone leaving their house must wear a mask as an example in this respect.
In his own video, which has already had over 6,000 views, Dr Lawrenson has brought this message to Jersey. Speaking directly to the camera he says: “I want to tell you about some exciting new evidence that’s come to the forefront about things that we can do to slow the spread of corona virus and potentially save lives.
Video: Dr David Lawrenson.
“You’re already washing your hands, you’re already staying at home, and only going out when absolutely necessary. When you are going out, you’re socially distancing and these things are really important. There’s some really, really fascinating studies emerging that are showing that face masks can have a dramatic effect in slowing the spread of corona virus.”
He recommends some other popular videos which recount the purported evidence demonstrating the efficacy of even simple cloth masks in slowing the spread of the virus, before inviting islanders to get involved in the movement.
In front of a sign that urges viewers not to buy medical masks, but to make their own, the paediatrician continues: “Please, get creative and make yourself a mask and make masks for those around you as well. It might not be in your culture to make masks when you’re out, but it really could make a huge difference to the spread of corona virus in our society. Come on, everyone let’s do this – wear a mask and slow the spread of corona virus.”
Dr Lawrenson is joined by other local medical professionals who are joining the movement. Amongst them is cardiologist Dr Andrew Mitchell who described the debate about the use of masks in combatting the spread of infection as "compelling".
GP Dr James Mair also contributed questioning, "maybe we need #Masks4All" and encouraging teachers to introduce mask making as a craft project.
#JerseyCI - teachers please watch. Can I suggest a school mask making project for your pupils next week?Cheap and cheerful homemade masks that could #smashthecurve https://t.co/84ugqW9IhA https://t.co/QlxZYICq20
— James Mair (@jamesmairjersey) March 28, 2020
Local campaigner Moz Scott has also expressed her support for the movement.
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