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Franco Bechis
Almost all the major virologists that we are used to seeing on television have repeated over and over again that there is no scientific reason for the obligation to wear masks outdoors unless you are in crowded situations (such as in times and places nightlife). Therefore, there is no scientific reason to justify the ordinances that are being adopted by some regional governors in Italy, most recently Nicola Zingaretti, and who are considering the possibility of adopting the Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, throughout the country. In fact, there are more studies advising against wearing the mask too long, so there could be more harm than good to health.
Among other things, in September the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended caution when forcing children under the age of 12 to also use it indoors, as it could also damage their ability to relate and learn at school and in educational settings. . In Italy, on the other hand, only children under the age of 6 are exempted from the obligation to wear a mask, even here without any scientific proof of usefulness, indoors and outdoors. Therefore, imposed with these obligations, the masks give more the idea of abuse of political power than of the real protection of public health. In any case, this is what Italian experts have said about outdoor masks from June to today:
“If there is no crowd, I have no risk of being infected outdoors on my own, so I cannot wear the mask.” (Giorgio Palù, former president of the European Society of Virology and Emeritus Professor of Microbiology at the University of Padua).
“At the moment there are no controlled studies that indicate that the universal use of masks, that is, outside hospitals, Rsa, risk environments, reduces the spread of this virus among the population.” (Guido Silvestri, professor in the United States at Emory University in Atlanta).
“The risk of contagion outdoors is very low. Infections occur indoors, when multiple people interact for a long time and without masks. Outside, you can safely avoid the mask, but remember to avoid crowds and keep a safe distance from people. “(Antonella Viola, Immunologist, Scientific Director of the Irp Padua).
“To become infected outdoors, close and prolonged contact is necessary. The mask from the outside should only be used when there may be this type of contact. “(Pierluigi Lopalco, epidemiologist and former scientific coordinator of the Apulian task force for the coronavirus emergency).
“You can safely stay outdoors without a mask, respecting social distances.” (Giuseppe Ippolito, scientific director of the Spallanzani Institute).
“You can stay outdoors without a mask if you respect distances. You cannot get it if you respect the distances ”(Massimo Clementi, director of the San Raffaele Microbiology and Virology Laboratory in Milan).
“With regard to the use of masks, in Italy we have interpreted this measure in a too restrictive way. Outdoors, the use of the mask makes little sense and is not indicated. In fact, it is more difficult to get infected outdoors, unless you get very close to people. Viruses do not remain suspended in the air and I am not contagious if I walk ”. (Matteo Bassetti, director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the San Martino Polyclinic in Genoa and member of the Covid working group of the Liguria Region).
“In general, being outdoors in the street, in the gardens, by the sea, in the mountains, there is no risk of contagion even without a mask. The risk of contagion outdoors depends on the close and prolonged contact that can occur only in certain situations (for example, discos or meetings) where the mask is protective. The common sense of the person always makes the difference ”. (Marco Tinelli, infectious disease specialist and treasurer of the Italian Society for Infectious and Tropical Diseases).
“Taking into account that only a small percentage of the transmission of the virus occurs outdoors, it is not advisable to recommend the obligation to wear a mask outdoors.” (Gimbe Foundation, position paper).
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