Foreign Property News | Posted by Shwe Zin Win
Experts have strongly advised against using snakes as face coverings to protect against the spread of coronavirus.
It comes after a man was spotted with what looked like a python around his neck and face on a bus in Salford, Greater Manchester.
After boarding the Swinton to Manchester service yesterday, the man left passengers stunned by letting the reptile wrap itself around the handrails during the journey.
One 46-year-old traveller told the Manchester Evening News: ‘He had it wrapped around his face like a mask getting on the bus.
At first I thought he had a really funky mask on, then he let it crawl around the handrails.
‘No one was really bothered on the bus but a man behind took a video. It was definitely entertaining.’
Just in case you were wondering, medical experts have strongly discouraged using snakes as face masks in any setting.
Professor of Science Communication at the University of Gloucestershire Adam Hart told Metro.co.uk: ‘There are, unsurprisingly, no studies of the effectiveness of “snake masks” but I think we can confidently say that this is not an effective way of reducing the spread of coronavirus.
‘The gaps between the coils that allow the “wearer” to breathe will also allow virus particles to pass through.
It is, quite frankly, a ridiculous face covering.’
When asked what other dangers the ‘mask’ could pose, Professor Hart said: ‘From the photo it looks like the snake is a large python so it isn’t venomous but instead kills prey by constriction.
‘Many pet constrictors are quite used to being handled and are very docile but clearly having a large snake in a position to potentially wrap itself around your neck is a risk.
Pharmacist at Chemist Click Abbas Kanani added: ‘There is no science that shows that this method can help to reduce the risk of transmission or risk of becoming contaminated with airborne particles.
Also advising against the man’s choice of neckwear was Dr Jessica May, UK lead vet at FirstVet. She said: ‘The purpose of face coverings is to protect the wearer and those around them by collecting moisture droplets from the mouth and nose.
‘There is no evidence to say a snake will do this effectively, nor is it safe to wrap snakes around the face and nose. When using public transport, it is always best to use a face mask; animals are not an appropriate substitute for PPE.’
Ref: Metro
