Cloth masks in public places: an essential intervention to prevent COVID-19 in Brazil

Abstract There is increasing evidence that the use of masks is an indispensable protective measure against COVID-19, given the high transmissibility of the new coronavirus through the respiratory system, including by asymptomatic individuals. The use of cloth masks in public places has been established as a protective measure to be adopted alongside social distancing and hand hygiene. This narrative review aims to systematize the scientific evidence that informs the widespread use of cloth masks as a preventive measure against COVID-19 and to describe the evolution of positions contrary to or in favor of its use outside the home, in view of the advance of the new coronavirus pandemic globally. The scientific articles, technical notes, governmental decrees and other documents analyzed indicate that widespread use of masks has the potential to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus. We recommend that the Brazilian government adopt strategies to increase the supply of reusable cloth masks to the public, especially to vulnerable populations and to support studies on the impact of this measure to control the pandemic in the country. Finally, it is imperative to ensure that use of masks does not exacerbate stigmatization of racial groups that already face prejudice.

摘要
越来越多的证据表明，鉴于新型冠状病毒可通过呼吸系统传播（包括无症状感染者传播）且传播能力极强，佩戴口罩是预防新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）不可或缺的防护手段。公共场所佩戴布制口罩（cloth masks），已被确立为需与社交距离、手部卫生措施协同推行的防护手段。
本叙述性综述旨在系统梳理支持布制口罩广泛用作COVID-19预防手段的科学证据，并结合全球新型冠状病毒肺炎大流行的发展态势，梳理户外佩戴口罩的支持与反对立场的演变历程。
本次分析所涉及的学术论文、技术纪要、政府法令及其他相关文件均显示，普遍佩戴口罩可有效减缓新型冠状病毒的传播。
我们建议巴西政府出台相关策略，提升面向公众的可复用布制口罩供给量，尤其优先保障脆弱人群的供应，并支持针对该措施在巴西国内控制疫情大流行效果的相关研究。
最后，必须确保口罩佩戴行为不会加剧针对本已遭受偏见的种族群体的污名化现象。