Evidence of where surgical masks provided to staff and patients protect against viruses: FOI release

Information requested

After a recent hospital visit there were requests to wear masks. I understand that the surgical masks provided are fluid resistant and provide protection from bodily fluids during surgeries and some procedures. Please can you provide evidence of where these surgical masks provided to staff and patients protect against viruses?

I look forward to receiving the scientific studies that evidence this protection against viruses.

Response

I enclose a copy of the information you requested.

• Extract from COVID-19 Nosocomial Review Group (CNRG) endorsement on advice provided – May 2022
• Extract of evidence from Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) Scotland – June 2022
• Extract of evidence from ARHAI Scotland – October 2022 (same evidence as June 2022 extract above)
• Email discussing evidence of FRSMs effectiveness to protect against COVID-19 – July 2021
• Masks for healthcare workers to mitigate airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 paper

Most of the information you have requested is available from published studies, journals and evidence that can be obtained online. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. The following links are published links to information within the scope of your request:

• Cochrane Review – January 2023 - Do physical measures such as hand-washing or wearing masks stop or slow down the spread of respiratory viruses? | Cochrane
• Medical Masks Versus N95 Respirators for Preventing COVID-19 Among Health Care Workers: A Randomized Trial – December 2022 - https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M22-1966
• Infection, prevention and control for seasonal respiratory infections in health and care settings (including SARS-CoV-2) guidance – withdrawn on May 2022 - [Withdrawn] Infection prevention and control for seasonal respiratory infections in health and care settings (including SARS-CoV-2) for winter 2021 to 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Annex to Infection Prevention and Control Overview – October 2021 - Annex to Infection prevention and control during health care when coronavirus disease (COVID- 19) is suspected or confirmed (who.int)
• UK Health Security Agency Research and Analysis – October 2021 - The role of face coverings in mitigating the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus: statement from the Respiratory Evidence Panel - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not routinely receive information relating to the evidence of where these surgical masks provided to staff and patients protect against viruses. However, you may wish to contact ARHAI Scotland at NSS.ARHAIinfectioncontrol@nhs.scot who may be able to provide or direct you to the requested information help you. The reasons why we do not have the information are explained in the Annex to this letter.

In this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption(s) under section(s) s25 (information otherwise accessible), s.27 (information intended for future publication), 29(1)(a)(b) (policy formulation) and s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption(s) applies are explained on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website: FOISA exemptions | Scottish Information Commissioner (itspublicknowledge.info)

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI - 202300344888 - Annex

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FOI - 202300344888 - Information release

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