Covid-19. Wearing a mask reduces coronavirus infections: study

Researchers at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, released a study that demonstrated the importance of use of face masks and physical distancing to prevent contagions of covid-19.

Physical distancing reduces exposure to Flügge droplets, and while 0.9 meters is sufficient, a distance of 1.8 meters reduces the number of these particles to minimal levels.

“This was an experimental study in which we emulated the production of Flügge droplets with the help of mannequins with masks and others without, and we measured the spread of the droplets at different distances,” explains Dr. Elie Berbari, head of the Infectious Diseases Department at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

The researchers measured the effectiveness of face masks in blocking the number of submicron particles from a mannequin with one, simulating a person infected with COVID-19, and simulated the risk of another contracting the virus when wearing face masks

“We conclude that the most important measure to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is to wear a mask. We found that both disposable paper medical masks and those with two layers of fabric serve to reduce droplet transmission, and we found no difference between the different types of masks in their effectiveness in blocking submicron particles emitted by the person. who uses them.

“The most common mechanism of transmission of covid-19 is through Flügge droplets, which are larger than aerosol droplets and more easily blocked by face masks,” said the doctor. Matthew Callstrom, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Radiology at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota

The second part of the study measured the numbers of submicron particles transmitted from one manikin to another within a distance of 0.3 meters to 1.8 meters, in one-foot intervals. The researchers found that, in general, the number of particles decreased as distance increased, which supports the current guideline of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to maintain a physical distance of 1.8 meters from others.

“I think we already knew how important masks were, and while there are a large number of studies that have shown that masks work to block viruses, the most important thing about this study is how effective they are when used by both parties,” commented Dr. Berbari.

Other measures to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus include frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer before and after meals and after removing the mask, and respecting the maximum capacity of crowded places.

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