Wales’ First Minister revealed he would be happy to wear a face covering if the science supported it.
Mark Drakeford said the evidence is “under constant review” and Welsh Government advice could change in certain circumstances if benefits could be proven.
People in Wales are currently advised – but not required – to wear face coverings if social distancing is not possible.
In contrast, face coverings are already mandatory on public transport in England and Scotland.
Since July 10, Scotland’s shoppers must also wear masks or coverings in retail settings.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hinted England may follow suit amid suggestions new rules could be introduced within a few weeks.
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On Friday, he reinforced the message by wearing a mask in public for the first time during the pandemic.
Wales has taken a different approach, only recommending that coverings be used in certain places such as public transport.
Mr Drakeford said the Welsh Government was following advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its own Technical Advisory Group.
He denied it was a contradictory approach given that, when easing lockdown rules, Wales had often taken a more cautious line.
Mr Drakeford said: “It’s making different judgments about the balance of risk, and the things that need to be done in order to mitigate risk and to concentrate on the things that are most effective.”
According to the First Minister, his chief medical officer has said coverings confer only “marginal additional benefit”.
However, NHS Wales chief executive Andrew Goodall believes wearing face masks should be “seriously considered” by the public, particularly in closed settings.
Mr Drakeford added: “If the Welsh Government made it mandatory then of course I would wear them in that situation.”
During the pandemic he has been sent a number of face masks and coverings by friends and well-wishers.
One was designed to resemble a squash ball.
“My favourite is a mask with two little yellow spots on the front,” he told North Wales Live.
“Someone had heard me say the thing I was missing most was my weekly game of squash on Friday evenings.”
On Monday, the Welsh Government is expected to announce an expansion of its public transport provision.
The aim is to facilitate safer travel on trains and buses for those who need to travel to work.
Further advice on the wearing of face coverings will form part of the announcement.
Although the WHO says masks and coverings are needed only in public areas where there is a risk of transmission, some behavioural experts believe mandatory wearing would send a strong message on the need to social distance.
However Mr Drakeford said face coverings were only one of a range of tools that can lower the risk of transmission.
They can also give a false sense of protection and so be counter-productive.
“Studies in the US have shown that people don’t necessarily behave more cautiously if they are wearing a face covering,” he said.
“It can lead to unintended consequences where people behave as though wearing a mask somehow confers immunity to the virus.
“However there is nothing to stop people in Wales wearing face coverings and in certain situations we would actively encourage it.”
