Swiss experts on Covid recommend that the public should consider using face masks again, despite the official end of the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago. This advice is given as Covid cases in the UK are on the rise, with an anticipated increase in viral infections during the winter months.
Immunologists from Switzerland stress the importance of wearing face masks to help reduce the transmission of viruses like Covid. While the emphasis is primarily on individuals at higher risk of severe illness from viral infections, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, it is also suggested that even those not in vulnerable groups could opt to wear masks.
During the peak of the pandemic in the UK, face coverings were made mandatory in specific public settings with a high risk of virus transmission, including shops, supermarkets, public transport, and NHS facilities.
Tanja Stadler, an epidemiologist at ETH Zurich and head of the Swiss Confederation’s Covid scientific task force, advised that in crowded enclosed spaces, particularly vulnerable individuals like those over 65 or with compromised immune systems should wear masks. She added that even those not in high-risk categories could protect themselves from infections and show solidarity with others by wearing masks.
Stadler clarified that she is not advocating for governments to enforce mandatory face mask mandates like during the pandemic peak. Instead, she suggested creating a virus bulletin to notify people of potential virus hotspots. Providing accessible data on virus spread could empower individuals to take appropriate precautions.
Marcel Tanner, a retired public health professor at the University of Basel and former member of the Covid Task Force, mentioned that it would be logical for anyone with a cold to wear a mask, especially on public transportation, based on the knowledge gained from the pandemic.
Recent data from the UK Health and Security Agency indicates a significant increase in weekly Covid cases from October 3. The rise in cases, particularly driven by the new Stratus strain of Coronavirus with variants XFG and XFG.3, has raised concerns. However, experts have stated that current data does not suggest the new variant is more deadly than other circulating variants.
Dr. Allen from the UKHSA reassured that there is no evidence to indicate that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease or reduce vaccine effectiveness.
The World Health Organization has classified the XFG strain as posing a low risk globally. While the variant is spreading rapidly, there is no significant increase in disease severity compared to other variants. The available evidence suggests that XFG does not present additional public health risks relative to other circulating descendant lineages like Omicron.