The role of face coverings in transmission of COVID-19, Public Health England
14 October, 2021
Public Health England (PHE) has convened a Respiratory Evidence Panel in February 2021 to assess the effectiveness of face coverings in COVID-19 transmission. Some of the conclusions include:
- "airborne transmission beyond 2 metres is possible and that contributory factors to airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 include poorly ventilated indoor settings"
- "effective ventilation as part of the implementation of the hierarchy of risk controls should be used to reduce airborne exposures beyond 2 metres"
- "the evidence suggests that all types of face coverings are, to some extent, effective in reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in both healthcare and public, community settings – this is through a combination of source control and protection to the wearer"
- "there is insufficient evidence to support the use of double-masking in a healthcare setting."
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