With the new regulations in place, it is mandatory to be heading out with a face mask. But are they as effective as perceived to be? Are they actually being worn properly to protect us against this COVID-19 pandemic?
Face masks have been utilized for over a century, initially developed for the safeguard of the surgical team whilst being exposed to the operating theatre environment (Oberg & Brosseau, 2008). They are however used today in a variety of health care settings, and in many ways.
How is Corona Virus transmitted?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) explains that it spreads from person to person via tiny droplets from the nose and mouth. They end up on surfaces, and when making contact with the latter, and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth, the virus has reached a new target.
With this being said, wearing a mask that covers the nose, and mouth seems to be promising in the fight against the virus. Offeddu et al. (2017) suggest that wearing masks and respirators is an efficient way of having infection control thus limiting spread of a disease.
Types and uses of masks
There exist four types of masks: the homemade cloth face mask, surgical mask, N95 respirator, and one-use cotton or paper masks.
Surgical masks allow for easy breathing whilst also obstructing the entry of any contaminated droplets from making their way into the nose and mouth. It can also aid in limiting exposure of saliva and secretions from other people.
N95 respirators are said to be more efficient in providing protection than the surgical masks as it is said to obstruct 95% of particles. However, due to their shortage, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention advise that they should only be used by individuals in hospital environments or in health care institutions.
Makison Booth et al. (2013) concluded that the live virus is detectable in the breathing zone that is covered by the surgical mask, allowing the particles to penetrate it. They also found that masks adapted with a visor further block the entry of foreign particles, acting as a shield to prevent entry of large droplets, while providing further protection since it disallows an individual from touching the eyes.
There is mixed evidence on the effectiveness of homemade face masks. Research has found that although protection is given, other masks are favourable. It is also advised that paper masks wouldn’t be used as airborne particles holding the virus may still be able to penetrate.
Making the mask effective
Although evidence does not clearly indicate that these face masks do prevent the transmission of Coronavirus, there is some evidence for a degree of protection. An effective mask should fit well around the nose, mouth, and chin. No air should enter from the sides, and there must not be any space between the face and the mask.
A mask can easily provide one with a false sense of security - if it is reused or touched, the virus, if present, can still be transmitted. In a published document, the WHO explains that masks are only effective with frequent hand washing with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
The mask must be removed from behind - the front must not be touched, and must be discarded immediately in a closed bin. Its disposal is very important and should be followed, as otherwise its purpose would be rendered useless. Hands must be washed appropriately afterwards.
In conclusion, wearing a mask and going out for no particular reason should not be done, as we should safeguard, and respect the community. Although masks are an effective way of protecting ourselves, we should not rely solely on them. Whilst abiding to Malta’s regulations, it is up to the individual to decide whether to wear a face mask or not.
References
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks?fbclid=IwAR3vAQabEaOc3QMaI2LjPUJcHmVbh7EfaRbfnpCoRk8gQNV6qbw30ImGLZE
Makison Booth, C., Clayton, M., Crook, B., & Gawn, J. M. (2013). Effectiveness of surgical masks against influenza bioaerosols. Journal of Hospital Infection, 84(1), 22-26. doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2013.02.007
Oberg, T., MS, & Brosseau, L. M., ScD. (2008). Surgical mask filter and fit performance. AJIC: American Journal of Infection Control, 36(4), 276-282. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2007.07.008
Offeddu, V., Yung, C. F., Low, M. S. F., & Tam, C. C. (2017). Effectiveness of masks and respirators against respiratory infections in healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Infectious Diseases : An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 65(11), 1934-1942. doi:10.1093/cid/cix681
Written by Gail Bonnici and Nikita Schembri