Wearing protective masks cannot stop the coronavirus pandemic. The scientists interviewed explained this phenomenon to The Daily Mail.
A virologist at the University of Edinburgh, Paul Digard, indicated that the infection is transmitted by airborne droplets. If a person coughs or sneezes, the virus in the droplets is released into the air. The virus particles themselves are too small and easily penetrate the tissue, but if the virus is in large water droplets, it can no longer overcome the barrier.
Masks are effective when worn correctly, meaning that a person’s mouth and nose must be covered, said Professor Jimmy Whitworth of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. If some people are wearing protective equipment incorrectly, it will be difficult to determine their effectiveness. “We don’t know exactly what effect masks have. But common sense dictates that they should be worn,” he added.
Earlier, American researchers found out which masks are most effective in a pandemic. According to the study, the different types of masks are dramatically different from each other. So, the greatest protection against the virus is provided by N95 respirators, followed by surgical masks with ties and procedural masks with additional protection in the form of a nylon stocking on top and secured with rubber bands. Among household masks, double-layer nylon masks showed good results. Cotton bandanas, polyester masks, balaclavas protect 50 percent or less. Masks made of non-woven polypropylene and three-layer cotton have the lowest results.