Bill Nye calls masks ‘a matter of life and death’ in coronavirus PSA

‘The main reason we want you to wear a mask is to protect me from you’

Bill Nye the Science Guy has released a coronavirus PSA urging people to wear face masks – referring to the protective equipment as “a matter of life and death”.

The engineer and TV presenter shared a video on TikTok to highlight the importance of masks when it comes to limiting the spread of the virus.

He is seen placing an N-95 mask on top of his mouth and nose, then blowing in the direction of a candle.

The flame doesn’t even flicker, illustrating the mask’s efficiency when it comes to blocking out particles.

“The reason we want you to wear a mask is to protect you. Sure,” Nye says.

“But the main reason we want you to wear a mask is to protect me from you and the particles from your respiratory system from getting into my respiratory system.

“Everybody, this is a matter – literally – of life and death. And when I use the word ‘literally’, I mean ‘literally’ a matter of life and death.

“So when you’re out in public, please wear a mask.”

On Thursday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo shared a similar clip in which Nye explains the benefits of wearing masks and compares the efficiency of different face coverings.

The governor wrote next to the clip: “Listen to Bill Nye.”