France: Avoid talking on public transport to reduce Covid spread

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The French National Academy of Medicine issued a recommendation for public commuters to avoid talking or making a phone call while in transit to prevent the risk of spreading COVID-19.
• The group refuted a government policy that suggested wearing only surgical masks and not fabric masks in public places.
• The academy is not an actual governing body but it could issue medical advisories.

The French National Academy of Medicine advised that when commuting on public transport, one should refrain from talking to one another or be immersed on a phone call to limit the risk of spreading COVID-19.

In a statement, the academy said that “the mandatory wearing of masks on public transport, where social distancing is not possible, should be accompanied by one very simple precaution: avoid talking and making phone calls.”

Speaking to BFM TV on Saturday, academy member Patrick Berche said that talking would not be a problem if there were only three people in a subway for instance, but if the train is packed with other commuters such that one is just two centimeters away from the other person, it is not wise to talk or get committed in a phone call.

“It is not an obligation, it is a recommendation,” he said.

Recently, the organization rebuked a government recommendation that advised people to only wear surgical masks in public, instead of masks that are made of fabric material.

“The proposed tightening of the regulation (on masks) is based on a precautionary principle but it lacks scientific proof,” the academy said.

The group said that fabric masks or those which are homemade were still effective in halting the spread of virus provided that they are worn accordingly. It also said that most infections occurred in places or situations where people are not wearing their face masks.

“Such a change in recommendations concerning a practice with which the entire population had become familiar, risks sparking incomprehension and could revive doubts about the soundness of official policies,” the academy said. 

Founded in 1820, the French National Academy of Medicine is not a formal advisory council, but it could address government inquiries and also release suggestions that could be either for or against a given official policy.

Source: Reuters