My wife is in the medical profession here in South Africa and yes, sadly working during this crisis. Extensive testing has been done by a lab she has access to which, unfortunately, has found that masks made from everyday materials are actually aiding in spreading the virus.
People wearing masks tend to touch it and their faces far more frequently than those that don't. The warm moist air you breathe out contains the virus. This attaches to the mask and since it is being kept warm and moist, it thrives. Everyday materials allows the virus to penetrate the fabric, thus ending up on the outside of the fabric as well.
The mask wearer now touches the mask, to adjust it or whatever, and now has the virus on their hands. Whatever they now touch, receives a deposit of the virus. Whilst the mask certainly may curb the spittle, it does little if anything to curb the virus itself. It is in fact an excellent means of insuring that you get the virus transferred to your hands and in turn everything you touch.
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