Face masks can help slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Learn about mask types, which masks to use and how to use them.
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Can face masks help slow the spread of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19? Yes, face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand-washing and social distancing, help slow the spread of the virus.
The main mode of transmission, now well known to all, is by droplets, in smaller proportions, by aerosols. Laboratory experiments, carried out by researchers and epidemiologists, show that the mask acts as a shield. In fact, the fibers that make up the mask capture and trap most of the particles likely to contain the Sars-Cov-2 virus. Although the effectiveness is not 100% guaranteed, wearing a mask, surgical or fabric, would block at least 80% of these particles.
An example: On the cruise ship, the "Greg Mortimer", crew members distributed masks to all passengers and staff on board, as soon as the first case of Covid-19 was identified. Of those 217 people, 128 tested positive, but 81% of them didn't show any symptoms.