Wearing of masks outdoors in all situations ”does not make sense” – Pathologists

The Malta College of Pathologists have emphasised that interventions related to Covid-19 ”need to be backed by scientific evidence or, at least, a strong theoretical rationale.”

In a statement, they argued that ‘it does not make sense to impose wearing of masks outdoors in all situations irrespective of risk. Wearing of masks outdoors should be limited to situations in which there are large gatherings, crowded spaces and mixing of different households.”

The Pathologists stated that the scientific literature suggests that ”less than 1% of Covid-19 infections are likely to be acquired in an outdoor setting, and even then after a prolonged length of time in crowded situations.”

They added that more emphasis therefore should be placed on limiting participation in indoor activities and avoiding large gatherings indoors.

”Walking outdoors by oneself or with members of the same household at a good distance from others does not pose a risk of transmission,”they said.

The Pathologists warned that, ”measures lacking scientific evidence will only serve to alienate the public and introduce resentment which in tum introduces the risk that the truly effective practices will be ignored by a disillusioned public.”

”Malta has been a leader in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout with proactive planning and execution, undoubtedly key reasons for the success of the vaccination campaign,” they said.

The Malta College of Pathologists concluded by saying that ”it is essential that the same scientific approach is adopted in other Covid-19 related public health measures which are just as important and which need to be equally accepted by the Maltese public if we are to avoid the worst consequences of the next wave of the pandemic.