How Effective are Face Coverings Against Covid-19?

Three new studies from the UK, US and Germany have suggested that face coverings offer a highly effective solution when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19 from person to person. The first study was carried out in the German city of Jena, where it was made compulsory for residents to wear face coverings in public places such as shops and when using public transport, on April 6th 2020. According to the study, the number of new COVID-19 infections dropped dramatically to almost zero. And by the end of April, all federal states in Germany had made the wearing of face coverings compulsory in public, a move quickly followed by the United States and the UK.

Face Coverings the Most Effective Measure

The second study was conducted by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, examining an outbreak of the novel coronavirus on the USS Theodore Roosevelt. 382 people on the ship were surveyed about the measures that they had taken to protect themselves against infection, with results suggesting that wearing a face covering was the most effective measure followed closely by social distancing. 81% of people who did not wear a face covering became infected compared to just 56% of those who did.

In Britain, a study conducted by scientists at Greenwich and Cambridge universities found that even makeshift, home-made cloth masks can drastically reduce coronavirus transmission rates when worn in public. The results found that routine wearing of masks by over 50% of the public means that people who have been infected with COVID-19 are only likely to pass it on to one person at the most, resulting in the number of infections dropping rather than rising over time. Researchers found that whether or not people have symptoms of the coronavirus, wearing a face-covering is twice as effective at reducing the spread of the virus compared to only wearing a face-covering after experiencing symptoms.

How Do Face Coverings Work?

In the UK, it’s now mandatory to wear a face-covering in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and on public transport, with police having been given the power to fine shoppers who refuse to wear a face-covering or shield without a valid reason up to £100. Face coverings work by blocking respiratory droplets that come from your mouth and throat. And with the World Health Organisation issuing a report saying that airborne transmission of the virus cannot be ruled out, it’s more important than ever for everybody to cover their face in public wherever they can.

Airborne transmission could explain how some cases of the coronavirus spread rapidly at the beginning of the year in spaces that were crowded or had inadequate ventilation. Coughing, sneezing and even speaking are all examples of ways that the coronavirus could be spread through droplets in the air – and with many people infected with the virus yet asymptomatic, it’s not enough to only wear a face covering if you begin to experience common symptoms like a persistent cough or a high fever.

UK Rules on Face Coverings

People in England have been under new rules regarding wearing face-coverings on public transport since May, which includes on buses, trains, coaches, trams, ferries and aircraft. From July 24th, this rule also applied to shops and other public areas in England. Certain people are exempt from wearing a face covering in these public places, which includes children under the age of eleven, people with breathing difficulties or certain disabilities, and anybody who is travelling with somebody who relies on lip-reading to communicate. Removing the face-covering temporarily, for example, when it is necessary to do so in order to eat or drink, is also permitted.

What is the Best Type of Face Covering?

Disposable face coverings do not come cheap, so unsurprisingly many people are turning to reusable masks to wear in public places. The Viractiv face shield is the best mask choice as it is designed with a unique Viruferrin coating that provides antiviral protection to the wearer. The Viractiv shield is designed to block, capture and disable up to 99% of viruses including COVID-19 and other common viruses like the flu, helping to keep you healthier than ever. The redshield mask is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing one-time-use masks, since it is washable and reusable – and it’s made from environmentally friendly materials, making it an ideal choice for those concerned about the environmental impact of wearing disposable face coverings. This facemask provider offers redshield products that have been scientifically tested to work and offer up to fifty times more wear compared to a single-use mask. The masks for sale are comfortable, light and breathable for almost anybody to wear with ease.

Since July, it has become mandatory for people in the UK to cover their face while in public places. And the research shows that this is necessary for stopping the spread of COVID-19, with face coverings shown to be the most effective measure.