Masks will not prevent an outbreak outright, and new studies in the strict lockdown ordered in Wuhan on January 23 suggested how the action played a vital role – a lot more so than masks – in cutting the spread of COVID-19 across China.
Medical masks and N95 masks need to be saved for medical workers, but if you do have a medical face mask, you should know that it was created for one-time use. However, several scientists, led by way of a group at Stanford University, are studying the best way to sanitize masks to supply the life of the personal protective equipment used by medical workers during the current shortage.
A key transmission route of COVID-19 is via droplets that fly out of our mouths—that includes once we speak, not only once we cough or sneeze. A portion of such droplets quickly evaporates, becoming tiny particles whose inhalation by those nearby is tough to avoid. This is especially relevant for doctors and nurses who use sick people all day long. Medical workers are also in danger from procedures including intubation, which generate very small particles that may float around possibly for a long time. That’s why their gear is called “personal protective equipment,” or PPE, and has stringent requirements for fit into order to stop ingress—the term to the transmission of the outside particles on the wearer. Until now, most scientific research and discussion about masks may be directed at protecting medical workers from ingress.
A breathing apparatus covers your mouth and nose. It can block the production of virus-filled droplets to the air when you cough or sneeze. This helps slow the spread of COVID-19.
Cotton quilting fabric
This is the high-thread-count cotton fabric preferred by quilters for its durability. In studies at Wake Forest Baptist Health, masks constructed with quilting fabric rivaled the filtration efficiency of surgical masks.
The fabric face mask can be created with an interior pocket that you can insert additional filter material.
Vietnam implemented fines for people who do not put them on, as the Philippines is also requiring over 50 million people on Luzon Island to use masks or improvised face shields outside their houses. Singapore shifted its advice on markers last week, and India’s government issued a manual explaining learning to make reusable masks in the home.
Leaving the medical-grade masks to health workers, where they are needed most, folks are increasingly aiming to make their own masks at home. WIRED has picked three simple designs using fabrics you already possess throughout the house and without making use of master-level sewing skills