Coronavirus Latest: Dr. Rob Danoff Discusses If People Should Be Wearing Face Masks In Public During COVID-19 Pandemic
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Should you be wearing a face mask while running errands? With the coronavirus showing no signs of slowing down in the United States, there's a growing debate about wearing face masks and other protective gear while in public.
Dr. Rob Danoff, who is overseeing a coronavirus testing site in Bucks County, joined Jim Donovan on Eyewitness News This Morning via Zoom to give us a take on the controversial debate.
Q: How is testing going at your coronavirus testing site?
Really well. Yesterday, we had 90 people and there are still some delays in getting the results back but it is starting to get better. There's a new test that just came out so hopefully, that will speed things up.
Q: So there's a lot of debate right now on whether people should wear masks or not. Initially, everyone said no, we need these for the first responders, now we're hearing otherwise. What is your take on the situation?
Jim, in countries that have done well, Czechoslovakia, Singapore, they wear masks. We are doing social distancing, we are now improving testing, we are developing medication, but the fourth element that's missing is wearing these masks. Now, I've been telling everyone it doesn't have to be the masks we wear in the hospital. It can be a linen mask or cotton mask that you can wash. They are actually some very effective mask protection. I'll tell you why. Many people with coronavirus have very mild symptoms. So when you cough or talk, it could go onto other people. By wearing this mask, I'm protecting you from me and you're protecting me from you. I believe the CDC is going to change their tune and I believe they are going to start recommending masks, that's the fourth element. And if we all do that, it will add to our community, being able to decrease the spread and if the virus has no one to infect it will stop.
Watch the video above for the full interview with Dr. Rob Danoff.
