Jin Joong-kwon: "Mask Wearing Not Proven Effective in Infection Prevention... Closer to a Sociological Phenomenon"

by Lim Juhyeong

Published 05 Mar.2020 07:03(KST)

Updated 05 Mar.2020 07:49(KST)

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Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon claimed that the shortage of masks due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is a "sociological phenomenon" and argued that "there is no scientific evidence that wearing masks is effective in preventing infection."

On the 4th, Jin posted on his Facebook, stating, "Neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor the United States or Europe recommends wearing masks," making this claim.

He added, "Wearing masks increases the chances of touching your face with your hands or gives a false sense of security, making it more dangerous, so I actually discourage (wearing them)." He continued, "Now people are ignoring the principle of 'social distancing' just to buy masks, which will make things even more dangerous."

He also pointed out, "In Korea, masks have become almost like a religious faith, to the extent that even confirmed patients are in line for masks," and "It will be difficult to change this mindset now."

On the 3rd, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, also emphasized that washing hands and maintaining social distancing of more than 2 meters are more important than wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Deputy Director Kwon explained, "The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WHO, and others do not recommend wearing masks as a method to prevent COVID-19," adding, "Medical masks are recommended to be worn by healthcare workers when seeing patients and in cases where there is a high risk of exposure between healthcare workers and patients, rather than by the general public."