Students of the medical faculty of the University of Zielona Góra conducted an observational study on the ways of wearing of protective masks by Poles during a pandemic. The results clearly indicate the urgent need for promotional campaigns to raise awareness of the need and benefits of the correct use of masks.

It was the first study of its kind in Central Europe. The observations were made in the three consecutive weeks of May. At a specific time, students watched people appearing in public space (on the street, in a park, in a shop) in 13 Polish provinces.

Observations show that 30 percent Poles, do not wear masks, despite the government regulation ordering wearing them in public spaces; the percentage of mask wearers is especially low among young men, and the most common mistake Poles wearing protective masks make is exposing their nose – more than half of observed people make this mistake.