If there’s one symbol of the COVID fight it’s the face mask – but do we understand the consequences of a masked society? Professor Graham Martin, Director of Research at the Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute, tells Ros Taylor why the issue of masks isn’t as clear-cut as we think, why the social dynamic of masks is so important, and how we can improve the quality of debate surrounding COVID-19.

“Science is about debate – it’s about disagreement.”
“What we’re seeing now is science under the spotlight”
“It’s not so much scientific debate that breeds conspiracy theories, but any effort to suppress debate”
“If you see anyone who isn’t wearing a mask, don’t assume they’re doing it out of bloody-mindedness”
“I would say to anyone, if you can wear a mask, do so”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: MASKS under the scientific spotli...