Mass masking as a way to contain COVID-19 and exit lockdown in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

We read with interest the research work of Cheng and collaborators on community-wide mask use for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) control. 1 Indeed, face masks are now recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent COVID-19 transmission, according to new guidelines published on June 5th 2020. 2 The new recommendations state that in areas with ongoing COVID- 19 community transmission, governments should encourage the general public to wear masks in specific situations and settings where physical distancing cannot be achieved, as part of a comprehensive approach to suppress COVID-19 transmission. 2