WATCH: Irish doctor goes viral in video debunking common face mask myth

Young GP Dr Maitiu O Tuathail wanted his patients to know the truth about face coverings

Irish GP Dr Maitiu O Tuathail has gone viral in the US, the UK, Mexico, Israel and the rest of the world since his latest video on face covering safety.

In the video, the doctor is hooked up to a monitor, showing his current oxygen levels at 99 per cent.

He then puts on six surgical masks, one at a time, and his oxygen levels remain at 99 per cent the entire video.

The results have debunked a common misconception that wearing face masks can cause harm by decreasing oxygen levels.

Dr Maitiu O Tuathail

Dr O Tuathail is based in Dublin and has continually spoken out about the Covid-19 pandemic and the best ways to stop its spread in Ireland.

He attended the National University of Ireland, Galway before obtaining a Master of Science in health and healthcare management at The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

As the former president of the National Association of General Practitioners, he has often consulted for the Irish Times and RTÉ and is currently the Medical Director of Heroes-aid, a voluntary not-for-profit organisation that provides support and PPE to frontline workers.

Global awareness

Dr O Tuathail’s demonstration has had almost 650,000 views on his Twitter account and, after being reshared by The New York Post, Fox News and Euronews, it has gained over 20 million views across various publications.

The young GP said he decided to make the video after his patients continually showed concern over face mask requirements on public transport and in stores.

“Getting asked ‘Does wearing a face mask lower your oxygen levels?’ repeatedly by patients today!” he said. “[This is] based on what they are reading on social media.

“Face coverings / masks don’t reduce your oxygen levels! I managed to get six face masks on and it had no effect on my oxygen levels!”

Watch his full video below:

Getting asked

“Does wearing a face mask lower your oxygen levels” repeatedly by patients today!

Based on what they are reading on social media

*Face coverings / masks don’t reduce your oxygen levels!*

I managed to get six face masks on + it had no effect on my oxygen levels! pic.twitter.com/qNKYa8pejx

— Maitiu O Tuathail (@DrZeroCraic) July 14, 2020

Featured image: Twitter/@DrZeroCraic

Read more: As the debate around “green lists” persists, we should all be asking ourselves what “essential” travel really means

Read more: 5 face masks with a cause that we are loving right now

Read more: 104 people have had their Covid unemployment payment stopped because of travel overseas