The world is still in a pandemic state. For now only the mask is our “protective shield”, but it is important to underline that this protective equipment must be used well. In addition, the same mask should not be used for days, at the risk of losing this protective capacity.
A recent study reveals that wearing a mask can halve the number of infections.
Use of a mask can reduce up to 46% new cases ...
Forcing people to wear masks has a "significant impact" in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. In addition, according to a recent study, the mask can still cut the number of new infections by almost half.
Researchers from Simon Fraser University of Canada claim that it was possible to obtain "an average reduction of up to 46 percent" in new cases, in the first weeks after applying the mask.
Areas where masking is mandatory have seen an average weekly reduction of 25 to 31 percent in newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19 each week, compared to those that did not have this policy, the study says.
The use of masks, as a complementary measure to limit the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the community, has been considered differently by different countries and international organizations.
It should be noted that there are three types of masks:
- Respirators (Filtering Face Piece, FFP) - personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals, in accordance with DGS Standard 007/2020;
- Surgical masks - a device that prevents the transmission of infectious agents from people who wear the mask to others;
- Non-surgical, community or social masks - devices of different textile materials, intended for the general population, not certified.
In line with the recommendations of WHO, ECDC, DGS reports:
- The use of masks by anyone in closed indoor spaces with multiple people should be considered. Such as supermarkets, pharmacies, shops or commercial establishments, public transport, etc.
- The use of masks in the community is an additional protective measure. But it does not dispense with adherence to the rules of social distance, respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene and the use of physical barriers, having to be guaranteed its proper use.
- In order to ensure adequate prioritization of the use of surgical masks, non-surgical masks (community or social use) can be considered for community use in the situations identified here.
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