Sweden's top epidemiologist is refusing to recommend the use of face masks in public, saying they are "very dangerous" because they can give people a false sense of security.
Chief epidemiologist at Sweden's Public Health Agency, Anders Tegnell, pushed back on the use of face masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in an interview with the Financial Times, questioning their effectiveness.
"It is very dangerous to believe face masks would change the game when it comes to COVID-19," Tegnell said.
"Face masks can be a complement to other things when other things are safely in place. But to start with having face masks and then think you can crowd your buses or your shopping malls - that's definitely a mistake."
Tegnell previously has hit out at the suggestion of compelling citizens to wear masks, again questioning their effectiveness.
Sweden has been heavily criticised for its pandemic response. While most neighbouring countries imposed strict lockdowns, social distancing and the use of face to stop the spread, Sweden has instead relied on voluntary social distancing.
The use of face masks in public is recommended in most countries, including New Zealand. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends using face masks in an effort to stop the virus, along with other measures.
"Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19. You should also maintain a minimum physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, frequently clean your hands and avoid touching your face and mask," it says on its website.
The WHO previously argued there was not enough evidence to say that healthy people should wear masks but in June changed its view. Director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said governments should encourage people to wear masks in public where there is widespread transmission.
The Ministry of Health recommends mask use in public or where social distancing isn't possible.
"Wearing a face mask can reduce the risk of people who have COVID-19, spreading the virus to others. They may feel well or have no obvious symptoms. A face mask can help stop infectious droplets spreading when they speak, laugh, cough or sneeze."
Before Auckland's latest COVID-19 outbreak, Health Minister Chris Hipkins urged Kiwis to have masks handy.
"We've seen elsewhere masks can play a role in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when worn by the public where there are cases of community transmission," Hipkins said.
"Just as we are prepared by having food and water set aside in the event of a natural disaster, we are encouraging New Zealanders to have a supply of masks set aside at home in the event of a further COVID-19 outbreak."
While face masks aren't compulsory in Auckland, the Ministry of Health highly recommends them during alert level 3.
"The risk of COVID-19 being present in the wider community is higher, therefore when people cannot maintain physical distancing of more than two metres, such as on public transport, at work places or in shops, face masks or face coverings are highly recommended."
