If all Brits wear face masks we could ‘return to normal’ – as they slash risk of catching Covid

Experts say the findings suggest universal uptake could allow Brits to safely “resume normal activities” and “protect people in crowded settings”.

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The Lancet report also found staying more than two metres away from others when outside halves the chances of catching the bug, compared to a one metre gap.

Researchers looked at 44 related studies involving nearly 26,000 people that had caught either Covid, Sars and Mers.

The analysis, commissioned by the World Health Organisation to inform their guidance, shows just three per cent of those wearing a mask were infected.

It compares with 17 per cent of those who had no face protection at all.

Last month, ministers urged all Brits to use home-made facemasks when shopping or using public transport.

In the biggest study of its kind, researchers from McMaster University in Canada also found those standing within one metre from a carrier had a 13 per cent chance of contagion.

But keeping a one metre gap cut chances to only three per cent, while a two-metre separation – recommended by Brit officials – reduces infection risk to 1.5 per cent.

There have been repeated calls to reduce UK social distancing rule to help shops, restaurants and pubs re-open.

Researchers also found eye protection significantly slashed the chances of catching the virus.

Those wearing goggles or face shields had a six per cent chance of getting the bug, compared to 16 per cent of those who wore nothing.

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But scientists warned although all three measures markedly cut risk, they were not a guarantee against infection.

Researcher Dr Derek Chu, Assistant Professor at McMaster University, said: “Solutions should be found for making face masks available to the general public.

“However, people must be clear that wearing a mask is not an alternative to physical distancing, eye protection or basic measures such as hand hygiene, but might add an extra layer of protection.”

Covid is most commonly spread by respiratory droplets – produced when people cough, sneeze or speak - entering through the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Or by putting your hands on a contaminated surface and then touching your face.

Commenting on the study, Professor Raina MacIntyre from the University of New South Wales, said: “Universal face mask use might enable safe lifting of restrictions in communities seeking to resume normal activities and could protect people in crowded public settings and within households.”

Trish Greenhalgh, Professor of Primary Care Health Services at Oxford University, said the findings were a “major step forward” in the battle against Covid.

She said: “The evidence appears to support the measures. Staying one metre away from other people appears to reduce your chance of catching Covid by 80 per cent.

“Wearing a mask or face covering appears to reduce your risk by up to 85 per cent. And wearing goggles or a face shield seems to reduce it by up to 78 per cent.

“The overwhelming message is that physical measures are effective in preventing Covid.”

Linda Bauld, Professor of Public Health at Edinburgh University, said: “The first and probably the most useful finding is that physical distancing matters.

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“There have been plenty of complaints that the guidance in the UK on two meters distance is excessive because it is more than in other countries.

But this review supports it.

“The review adds to the evidence that we should be asking the public to wear face coverings on public transport, in retail outlets and other indoor spaces even when physical distancing is in place.”

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