Protective masks do not protect safely

EU Health Commissioner
Protective masks do not protect safely
"With some items, the offers even exceeded the requests."

 
Berlin - The EU Commission assumes that wearing a protective mask in public does not protect you from infection with the corona virus.

EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told the Funke Media Group newspapers (Monday editions) that protective gear should go first and foremost to those who need it most - those healthcare workers who are surrounded by sick people and who work day and night Save lives.

Using face masks also reduces the risk of people who are already infected spreading the virus to others. "However, there is no guarantee that wearing a mask on the street will protect anyone from being infected."

At the same time, the health commissioner said that the EU's joint procurement procedure for medical protective equipment, which had been launched by the Member States, had proven successful. “Last week we received offers from companies for important items such as masks, gloves, goggles, face protection, surgical masks and overalls. For some articles, the offers even exceeded Member States' requests. ”

The Commission is now working around the clock to ensure that the equipment can be delivered as soon as possible.