Outdoor masks, until when? Here’s what the experts say

Outdoor masks, until when? At the center of the debate these days, with the arrival of summer, also the use of personal protective equipment, in light of the decline in infections and deaths and with the advancement of the white zone in Italy. In France, for example, if everything goes according to plan, the obligation will be lifted on 30 June. And the German Minister of Health, Jens Spahn, has also opened up to the possibility of a gradual relaxation of the obligation to wear a mask. But what do the experts think and what time frame do they foresee for our country? The infectious disease specialist Stefano Vella, professor of global health at the Catholic University of Rome and former president of the Italian drug agency Aifa, is clear: “The mask must be worn outdoors and for the moment I am against removing the obligation” . “The mask must always be worn with you – says Vella to Adnkronos Salute – Then if you are alone, I imagine at the sea or in a forest, it is clear that it can be removed. But if we eliminate the obligation too soon, there is a risk that no one wears it anymore. I already see many who do not wear it “. “I would not remove the obligation to wear masks – says virologist Francesco Menichetti, head of infectious diseases at the Pisa hospital, commenting on the French stop on the obligation to wear masks outdoors from June 30. I would not support the removal, then the authorities will decide “. Removing the mask “is possible outdoors between vaccinated people, between those who have the green certificate and are spaced out – explains the expert – This is acceptable and logical. I could take it off once I’m outdoors at the sea, however – warns Menichetti – take them off as a habit I would wait “. “The habit of the mask is something I would not give up. For me – says the virologist – the moment in which one could remove it is when the schools reopen in attendance, in September-October, which means that you have won the battle . The sword – he concludes – you lay down when the battle is definitively over, not when you are still in combat “. “I believe that by the end of the month we can think about stopping the obligation to wear a mask outdoors. I am optimistic, especially in those Regions in the white zone where there are very few cases” says Filippo Anelli, president of the National Federation of Medical Orders. (Fnomceo). “There is an evident epidemiological improvement – underlines Adnkronos Salute – and we are in a phase in which we have a reduction in the mortality of new cases”. On the masks Fabrizio Pregliasco, professor at the State University of Milan, says to wait “again a moment for an evaluation. We see the end of July as a goal to take them out in the open “.