Thread by @drvyom

1/ Thank goodness. “Professor Sutton said the health department was still working on a communication strategy for masks but signalled advice would likely be for settings where social distancing is harder to maintain, such as on public transport and food markets.” #COVID19au

2/ I’m v glad to see that they are formulating a communication strategy. Because despite what a lot of big names are saying, widespread, improper use of masks by people is a nonsense reason to scrap them as a strategy completely. People can be educated. After all,

3/There are improper ways to wash hands and wear seatbelts. We don’t talk about risks of false reassurance here like we do with masks. Yes there might be some risk compensation. But a biologically plausible intervention is surely worth coupling with an education campaign. So:

4/ yes we’ll see misuse of masks/lapses in phys distancing. But the question is will we see a net positive effect. If we foresee a net positive effect then we should proceed. It’s true , masks wouldn’t have conferred much benefit for Australia till now except healthcare workers,

5/ but now Victoria has community transmission, increased mobility and I’m glad a well thought out, well communicated policy and masks is on the agenda, in view of the available evidence.

*on masks. Ffs