Surgical masks are known to reduce the likelihood of transmission in some circumstances. The Government should supply and mandate the use of surgical masks for the general public for day to day use, in the street and on public transport.
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People with COVID-19 are infectious before they are symptomatic which can result in people spreading the virus without being aware they have it. This is partially responsible for its rapid spread.
If we can mitigate a major infection vector by wearing surgical masks where possible we can further flatten the curve!