Denmark's Salling Group has donated DKK 5 million (€670,000) to a research project undertaken by four hospitals as to the effectiveness of face masks in protecting against COVID-19 infection.
Participants in the study will be recruited from employees and customers of the føtex, Bilka and Netto retail chains countrywide, according to the group.
'There is still a lack of knowledge about how much face masks actually help to protect the individual from being infected,' a statement by the company said.
Currently, Danish health authorities are recommending the use of face masks when dealing with infected people in the healthcare sector, however, outside the healthcare system, the wearing of face masks is not essential.
Better Understanding
According to one of the researchers, Prof Henning Bundgaard of the Cardiac Medicine Clinic in Rigshospitalet, the study could contribute a better understanding about the potential of the use of face masks.
If this study showed that a simple measure such as wearing face masks could reduce COVID-19 infection, it could save lives and resources, said Bundgaard.
Commenting on the project, Jens Bjerg Sørensen, chairman of the Sailing Merchant Herman Fund, said: “This research project can provide new knowledge that will hopefully help to reduce the infection and re-open our society.”
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Elizabeth Schroeder. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
