Face masks that are created with several layers of cloth can help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. This is based on the findings of an international team of researchers who studied a century’s worth of mask research.
The homemade cloth masks are not perfect but can provide a “modest” reduction in the transmission of COVID-19 if widely used. At their best, the cloth masks can be effective and worth considering under the circumstances.
The full review of the team’s research on cloth masks has yet to be published, but presently under peer review as scientific journals broaden their assessment of COVID-19 research.
A team composed of international scientists are looking at 100 years of studies, dating back to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic when scientists sprayed bacteria on gauze to check how the thread count and layers affected transmission. It has been a century and there is still a lack of proof to support the effectiveness of homemade masks in preventing transmission.
Even today, there are no clinical studies that show that using a mask in the community can lessen the spread of a viral condition. The majority of studies have long revealed the effectiveness of medical-grade personal protective equipment in the clinical setting.
The team has studied woven material such as cotton, linen, flannel, and muslin. Sadly, the issue gets complicated since layering cloth increases effectiveness but reduces breathability. Additionally, there are also social concerns where the biggest fear that most have is that wearing a cloth mask might lead to a false sense of security. This can lead to reduced hand hygiene and physical distancing.
Although research is still incomplete, there is still enough “convincing” proof that should be included in the policy decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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https://www.healthline.com/health-news/face-masks-importance-battle-with-covid19
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200504-coronavirus-what-is-the-best-kind-of-face-mask
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-face-mask