The Portuguese Society of Cardiology (SPC) defends the widespread use of masks by the population as a way of protecting at-risk patients, including cardiovascular patients.
For this entity, the widespread use of masks constitutes a “civic measure” that protects everyone, especially at-risk patients, in addition to allowing the restart of social coexistence and economic activity in a more secure and solidary manner.
“It is true that the mask protects little the wearer and, especially if it is misused, it can give a false sense of security. But it is also true that one can be a carrier and spread the virus without feeling sick and that, therefore, wearing a mask protects others. Our main protection is the mask of the other ”, reinforces the president of SPC, Victor Gil.
It is through this logic of individual protection and, more pertinently, of prevention of transmission to the most vulnerable groups, that the universal use of masks in closed public places or where desirable social isolation cannot be guaranteed, according to the risk of the activity practiced.
The Centers for Disease Control in the United States, initially reticent, began to recommend, as of April 4, the use of community masks by the general population. The recommendation to use a mask may not be supported by robust evidence produced by clinical trials, but it is justified by the “precautionary principle”.
The Portuguese Society of Cardiology also defends that the ideal will be the “use of surgical masks” in the social context, despite admitting that there are no surgical masks for everyone.
“We recommend that cotton fabric masks, designated as community masks, are good options for those at low risk. But we argue that surgical masks should be used by risk groups (the elderly and people with debilitating diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases), caregivers for institutionalized people and health professionals. ”, Warns the president of SPC.
Civic Act
The use of the mask must be a reflection of citizenship of each person who may be carrying the virus without knowing it and who thus protects the people around them, in a solidary exercise of citizenship.
The contagion contention measures recommended, such as social detachment and frequent hand washing, aim to avoid inhaling these droplets and prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Complementary to these measures is the use of facial masks, whose use in the community has been widely debated and the subject of divergent recommendations by different health entities.
The use of a mask is a solidary exercise of citizenship. For this reason, “if you leave home, wear a mask, for yours and for our health”, appeals the Portuguese Society of Cardiology.
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