Wearing a mask reduces coronavirus transmission by around a quarter, according to a new study.
Experts at universities in Oxford, Copenhagen and Bristol found that mask wearing is associated with a ‘significant reduction’ in transmission.
The study looked into the effect that face coverings have in the pandemic using the largest survey of mask wearing and obtained estimates from 92 regions from across six continents.
It found estimated that Covid-19 transmission fell by around 25 per cent if everyone wore one.
Dr Laurence Aitchison, lecturer at the University of Bristol and senior author on the paper said: “At a time where mask-wearing is decreasing and mask mandates are being lifted, our research confirms that masks do indeed have a strong impact on Covid-19 transmission in the population and remain an important measure in our response against the disease.”
Face coverings have become a mainstay in Scotland since the emergence of the health crisis in March last year.
The Scottish Government first introduced laws on the wearing of face coverings in June last year, when they became mandatory on public transport.
Since then, Scots have to wear in the majority of indoor public settings in a fight against the virus.
Scotland’s major remaining legal coronavirus restrictions are expected to be lifted in August 9 in what has been dubbed by some as ‘freedom day’.
But Nicola Sturgeon said that face coverings could remain in place “for a period” beyond this date.
Speaking in Holyrood last week, the First Minister said: “Measures such as rigorous and regulate hand washing, cleaning surfaces and good ventilation will continue to be vital.
“And even if we lift the legal requirement, as we hope to, we may still advise keeping a careful distance from people outside out close contact groups, especially if they are not fully vaccinated.
“Also, at least for a period, we are likely to require continue wearing of face coverings in certain settings - for example, shops and public transport.”
