MEMBERS of the public wearing face masks could be putting themselves more at risk from contracting coronavirus, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England Jenny Harries has said.
Asked about the effectiveness of face masks, she said: "For the average member of the public walking down a street, it is not a good idea.
"What tends to happen is people will have one mask. They won't wear it all the time, they will take it off when they get home, they will put it down on a surface they haven't cleaned.
"Or they will be out and they haven't washed their hands, they will have a cup of coffee somewhere, they half hook it off, they wipe something over it.
"In fact, you can actually trap the virus in the mask and start breathing it in."
Asked if people are putting themselves more at risk by wearing masks, Dr Harries added: "Because of these behavioural issues. People can adversely put themselves at more risk than less."
However, she said those who are advised to wear one by healthcare workers should follow their guidance.
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