'They Told Us Not to Use Them' US Authorities Review Mask-Wearing Recommendations

Let's See the Effects of Social Distancing: Now Reviewing Mask Usage Restriction Guidelines
Seem to Change Stance on Asymptomatic Infection Risk Awareness
Dr. Pouch "Hope Begins to Show"

A representative from the mask manufacturer 3M is demonstrating how to wear a mask.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. health authorities, who had been negative about mask use as a preventive measure against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), appear to be changing their stance, U.S. media reported on the 31st (local time).

Although the number of infected cases has surpassed 170,000, it is interpreted that along with the extension of social distancing measures, existing policies will be changed to prevent further spread of infection.

According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said in an interview with public broadcaster NPR on the same day, "The CDC is reviewing recommendations on mask-wearing based on the premise that COVID-19 can be transmitted even in asymptomatic states."

He said, "Considering new data obtained from Singapore, China, and Hong Kong, it is certain that asymptomatic transmission occurs, so (the current mask-wearing recommendation) is being seriously reviewed."

WSJ reported that a CDC spokesperson declined to comment on Director Redfield's remarks.

The Washington Post (WP) also reported, citing federal officials, that "Government authorities have not recommended mask-wearing so far, but this may change," and that CDC officials are considering officially changing guidelines to encourage people to cover their faces amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, WP added that internal discussions are still ongoing and no final conclusion has been reached yet.

President Donald Trump also stated at the COVID-19 task force (TF) briefing the previous day that he would consider the proposal by Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, recommending all Americans wear masks in public places, on the condition that "it will be for a very limited period."

The U.S. has maintained the position that masks are not necessary except for medical personnel. Vice President Mike Pence, who oversees the COVID-19 TF, also mentioned earlier this month that "there is no need to buy masks unless you are sick."

However, many Americans, especially in areas where infections have spread, are using masks. In New York and New Jersey, many people regardless of race are using N95 masks, surgical masks, and cloth masks when going out. At supermarkets where people gather, vinyl gloves are distributed upon entry, and acrylic barriers have been installed at checkout counters to prevent contact between customers and cashiers.

Regarding this, Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the U.S. National Institutes of Health, said, "We have begun to see signs that social distancing is actually having a mitigating effect." He indicated that social distancing, which limits contact between people, seems to be effective in suppressing the spread of COVID-19.

He added, "We have started to see that the daily increase (in patients) is not showing a very steep rise," and "there are signs that the (increase curve) is beginning to flatten," but emphasized that vigilance should not be relaxed.