Coronavirus: do I need a encounter mask?

The corona virus is spreading a lot more and more in Germany. For worry of infection, many folks have currently covered by themselves with encounter masks and respirators. In Jena, retailers or nearby means of transportation will in future only be entered with confront mask. Austria has also introduced a mask prerequisite. How valuable is this evaluate?

All in excess of Europe, security measures to protect in opposition to the new corona virus are expanding. A lot of borders are restricted and curfews have been imposed in some European countries. A real-time map of the Centre for Methods Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in the United States demonstrates how the condition is spreading throughout the world.


The concern of infection with the pathogen qualified prospects to the fact that numerous people inventory up with encounter masks or respirators. The merchandise are no lengthier accessible in most pharmacies.

Masks to safeguard towards droplet infection
Wearing protecting masks is said to defend against droplet infection with the viruses. Nevertheless, the mouth and nose defense (MNS) known from the working place is not suitable for this purpose: such masks only prevent the wearer from passing droplets into the surroundings, so in the functioning area he safeguards the individual. Considering that an MNS does not match tightly, it can not properly defend the wearer from a droplet an infection. So-known as particle-filtering fifty percent masks (filtering confront parts, FFP) of course II or III are ideal, which consist entirely or partly of non-replaceable filter content. These minimize infectious aerosols in the inhaled air.

How helpful is the protecting evaluate?
Ought to an MSN or FFP mask be worn as before long as you depart the property? Viewpoints on this subject matter are divided amongst an infection specialists: According to the Robert Koch Institute and the Entire world Wellness Organization, putting on a mask can even develop a bogus feeling of protection, which in circumstance of question qualified prospects to neglecting central hygiene steps this kind of as hand washing or length rules. According to emergency respirator manufacturer , there is also inadequate evidence that donning mouth-nose defense substantially minimizes the danger of infection for a wholesome man or woman who wears it. According to WHO emergency director Michael Ryan, there are even additional dangers if people get rid of the masks incorrectly and therefore become infected.

Nonetheless: Not everybody who is infected with SARS-CoV-two also notices this. Even with no or gentle signs and symptoms, these impacted are contagious. In these situations, donning a encounter mask as a precaution could help minimize the risk of transmission. Any person getting into public areas the place the basic safety distance of one.five to two meters can not be preserved, this kind of as public transport, supermarkets or at operate, could help to decrease the unfold of SARS-CoV-2 by using mouth safety. For optimal usefulness, it is critical that the mouthguard fits appropriately, that is, it is worn tightly and is altered when it is moist.


To safeguard against an infection, the RKI endorses washing your fingers frequently and completely, coughing and sneezing appropriately, and keeping a length from the sick (about one to two meters). These are the most effective protective steps in everyday daily life. Shaking arms ought to also be prevented.