Tossavainen did not respond when we tried to contact him about the source of his claim. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended that healthy members of the public use masks, because there is little evidence of their effectiveness as a corona prevention.
Despite the WHO statement, the masks are officially recommended in various countries. For example, in the Czech Republic and in Germany masks are urgently recommended.
Sweden
Reijo Tossavainen is correct that the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare are not advising the public use of the facemasks. But Finland is not the only country. For example, the Public Health Agency of Sweden states that “face masks are not needed in in the community. The best way to protect oneself and others in daily life is to maintain social distancing and good hand hygiene”. However, it is important to note that the advice may change as countries announce new measures. For example, in The Netherlands use of masks will be compulsory in public transportation from the 1st of June on. But at the time Tossavainen uttered his claim, the Dutch government did not recommend the use of masks. Conclusion Reijo Tossavainen’s claim is false. Finland is not the only country that doesn’t recommend the use of face masks. Neighbouring country Sweden at least doesn’t recommend masks either, as did the Netherlands until very recently.Leave your comments, thoughts and suggestions in the box below. Take note: your response is moderated.RESEARCH | ARTICLE © Anastasia Ranta Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki Finland
