Article 2 (Aug 2020): Mask update: Beware unexpected results of wearing masks

Wearing a homemade mask is not perfect protection, but researchers say it is probably better than nothing.
 
Be sure mask-wearing does not give false confidence about protection. Social distancing and regular hand washing are still essential.  A proper mask fit should have a bendable edge at the top that can be pinched tightly to the upper nose. It should fit closely to the mouth, and snuggly under the chin. Wear at all times in public.
 
A scarf tied loosely around the nose provides no protection to the wearer or the public.
              
- Don't reuse masks before disinfecting.
              
Masks that become wet during use must not be casually left around the home or in public places.  Do not drop masks as litter in public spaces.
              
If the mask is not removed properly, it becomes another virus transmission route.
              
- Remove by the straps only, place in a pillowcase, then wash in a machine using hot water.  Dry on high heat.
              
No one has yet studied the effectiveness of masks in a clinical setting during the coronavirus pandemic, but studies prior to the pandemic suggest cloth masks are less effective than surgical masks.
              
The only randomized clinical study on the subject was in 2015.  Researchers in Vietnam tested the efficacy of surgical masks versus homemade cloth masks on hospital workers as prevention of influenza.  Researchers found that hospital workers wearing cloth masks had a higher rate of infection compared to those wearing surgical masks.  Particle infiltration was about 97 percent compared to medical masks.
              
A number of later studies have both reviewed literature and set up limited tests for effectiveness of cloth masks.   At least one study found that three layers of cloth on masks appeared to limit infection of influenza.
              
Most studies concluded that cloth masks should only be used as a last resort, but they are better than nothing.