The use of face masks to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19 has divided Europe, with advice on wearing protective gear often not only differing from country to country but even changing internally, from region to region.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that face masks are unnecessary to wear for healthy people if they are isolated from those with or suspected of having the virus. The WHO do not dismiss the utility of face masks altogether but cite a lack of evidence in their usefulness as a reason for this.

Despite this many European countries have made the wearing of face masks compulsory and the differing advice is creating confusion across the continent.

The confusion often stems from ignorance around the new virus - unsurprising since the science around COVID-19 is in a constant state of flux. As researchers scramble to learn more about the virus both the science on the outbreak, and the tactics undertaken to fight it, change.

Which countries recommend wearing face masks and which do not?

UK

Until now the UK government has not recommended the use of masks, although a review of the advice is ongoing. The country's chief scientific advisor Sir Patrick Vallance said recently he had seen "more persuasive" data on face masks stopping infected people from transmitting the virus, rather than preventing mask-users from catching it.

Pressure is growing on the government to change its advice, with high profile politicians like London Mayor Sadiq Khan calling for masks to be compulsory in the capital.

France

A similar scenario is playing out in France, with the national government not recommending the use of masks while city mayors are lobbying for their use.

It's increasingly likely that face masks will be made compulsory or recommended once lockdown measures are lifted. Responding to questions on the lockdown and its potential easing, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said discussions were underway to enforce the wearing of masks on the city's metro and commuter trains.

Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron's government, like his British counterparts, has faced criticism over a shortage of face masks. Macron announced that by May 11, France would be able to give nonprofessional face masks to the public.

Germany 

Germany, which has been widely praised for its response to the virus, has recently changed its advice. "It is recommended that masks be used in public transport and while shopping," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel following talks with regional leaders from the country's 16 states.

While only a recommendation, the advice has been enforced in several German cities, including Hanau and Jena.

In an update earlier in April the Robert Koch Institute,  the country's authority on infectious diseases, said that a protective mask can reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Austria

Neighbouring Austria has had some of the strictest measures in place and subsequently became one of the first European nations to loosen its lockdown.

In an effort to stop the virus from spreading once more Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has made it compulsory for people to wear protective clothing - including face masks - while out in public.The rules had previously only required Austrians to wear masks on essential shopping trips.  

Poland

The country, which is set to open its forests and parks on April 20 also allowing recreational activities, will continue to enforce the compulsory wearing of face masks, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced.

Czech Republic and Slovakia

It is illegal in both countries to leave your home without a face mask, making the neighbours relative outliers on the issue.  

Italy

In the northern region of Lombardy, the worst-affected region of Italy, the worst-affected European country, face-covering is compulsory in all outdoor settings. Elsewhere in the country especially in the south, which hasn't had as many cases, it is not mandatory.

Belgium

Like other western European countries, Belgium does not recommend mask use. In early April the Minister for Health, Maggie De Block, derided their use, stating "It makes no sense to wear them, it can give a false sense of security."
 

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