Many countries have made it compulsory for face masks to be worn in public places.

Here in Ireland, the government is now recommending that people over the age of 13 wear masks in enclosed spaces such as shops and public transport, but it will not be mandatory.

How effective are face masks in stopping the spread of COVID-19, particularly when compared with other measures such as hand washing and social distancing? What type of mask should you wear, and where can you get them? Should they be made mandatory here?

Professor Sam McConkey, Infectious Disease Specialist at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, joined us to answer some of these questions.

Listen to the interview in full by pressing the play button on this page.