The Malta College of Pathologists has spoken out against the new measure which sees people required to wear masks outdoors.
The college said that the new measure risked alienating the public and creating resentment towards authorities. They also emphasised that interventions related to COVID-19 need to be backed up by scientific evidence or at least a ‘strong theoretical rationale.’
‘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 stated.
‘More emphasis therefore should be placed on limiting participation in indoor activities and avoiding large gatherings indoors. 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. Walking outdoors by oneself or with members of the same household at a good distance from others does not pose a risk of transmission.’
The college also points to Malta being a leader in vaccine rollout, and should thus use the same scientific approach when it comes to new measures Measures which the the public needs to accept if ‘we are to avoid the worst consequences of the next wave’.
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Photo Source: Chris Fearne FB, Good Housekeeping
