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posted by Fnord666 on Monday July 27 2020, @03:01PM   Printer-friendly
from the and-they-need-to-actually-fit dept.

Home-made face masks likely need at least 2 layers to curb COVID-19 spread:

Home-made cloth face masks likely need a minimum of two layers, and preferably three, to prevent the dispersal of viral droplets from the nose and mouth that are associated with the spread of COVID-19, indicates a video case study published online in the journal Thorax.

[...] A team of Australian researchers therefore compared the effectiveness of single and double-layer cloth face coverings (175 g/m² cotton fabric, with a thread count of 170/ inch) with a 3-ply surgical face mask (Bao Thach) at reducing droplet spread.

[...] The video recording showed that the 3-ply surgical face mask was the most effective at reducing airborne droplet dispersal, although even a single layer cloth face covering reduced the droplet spread from speaking.

But a double layer covering was better than a single layer in reducing the droplet spread from coughing and sneezing, the recording showed.

This is just one case, added to which several other factors contribute to the effectiveness of cloth face masks, note the researchers. These include the type of material used, design and fit, as well as the frequency of washing.

Nevertheless, based on their observations, a home made cloth mask with at least two layers is preferable to a single layer mask, they say, adding: "Guidelines on home-made cloth masks should stipulate multiple layers."

And they emphasise: "There is a need for more evidence to inform safer cloth mask design, and countries should ensure adequate manufacturing or procurement of surgical masks."

Journal Reference:
Prateek Bahl, Shovon Bhattacharjee, Charitha de Silva, et al. Face coverings and mask to minimise droplet dispersion and aerosolisation: a video case study [$], Thorax (DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215748)


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  • (Score: 3, Interesting) by fyngyrz on Monday July 27 2020, @07:06PM (2 children)

    by fyngyrz (6567) on Monday July 27 2020, @07:06PM (#1027247) Journal
    1. no more that 2 hours exposure
    2. come back home, throw the mask in the water+detergent (until you have enough to justify a machine wash)
    3. wash hands.

    To which I would add:

    1. Go back to vehicle, if used, and apply effective cleansing regime to handles, armrests, wheel, etc.
    2. Go back to home door(s) and apply effective cleansing regime to door handles
    3. Cleanse keys, fobs, etc.
    4. Carefully dispose of packaging others have handled recently — bags, wrappings, etc.
    5. Cleanse surfaces where these packages have been placed
    6. Cleanse hands again

    Also, build a habit of observing careful control over where one puts one's hands during all out-of-home activities, particularly WRT your vehicle, if used, and WRT entry into your domicile, so as to make these prophylactic actions both effective and easy to prosecute.

    Keep well clear of those who aren't wearing masks.

    If you or yours do contract the virus, these things will tend to reduce the viral load, tend to reduce the severity of the resulting symptoms and follow-on effects, and tend to reduce further transmission (R0.)

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  • (Score: 3, Funny) by HiThere on Monday July 27 2020, @11:23PM (1 child)

    by HiThere (866) Subscriber Badge on Monday July 27 2020, @11:23PM (#1027385) Journal

    Another step you should follow is to rinse your mouth with 20 proof alcohol. Stronger if you prefer. Add water or tonic if you feel like repeating.

    Well, the medics don't recommend this step, but it reduces tension after all the others.

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    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday July 28 2020, @07:01AM

      by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday July 28 2020, @07:01AM (#1027522)

      20 Proof? That's like 10%. Red or white wine.
      Brandy, rum, vodka, or whiskey, would be better, they are all 35 to 45%. (stated in my order of preference :) )