Jin Joong-kwon "Preventing COVID-19 Infection with Masks? No Scientific Evidence"

Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon claimed on the 4th that there is "no scientific evidence that wearing masks is effective in preventing infection" in relation to the mask shortage caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

Professor Jin said in a post on his Facebook that "neither the WHO (World Health Organization) nor the United States, Europe, or anywhere else recommends wearing masks."

He pointed out, "They rather discourage it. Wearing masks increases the chances of touching your face with your hands or gives a false sense of security, making it more dangerous," adding, "Now people are ignoring the principle of 'social distancing' to buy masks, which is even more dangerous. Confirmed patients are even in that line."

He also said, "This is a country where medical interest groups team up with political parties to pose as quarantine experts," and "If doctors in other countries discourage mask-wearing but only the Korean Medical Association recommends it, it means they have some evidence that other countries' doctors do not have."

He continued, "Once this situation ends, we need to verify the basis of that judgment," and argued, "It is essential to do so to prevent the recurrence of this confusion."