In the current context of very lively debates on the wearing of the mask, this study will reinforce those who advocate the obligation to cover the face in closed places. The American Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) released on Tuesday the results of an experiment conducted with two hairdressers infected with the coronavirus, a woman and a man, and the 139 clients they have worked with. , in Missouri.
The hairdresser experienced symptoms on May 12. She worked an additional eight days, until a positive test was received. During this period when "self-isolation was recommended", as the CDC reminds us, she could therefore potentially transmit SARS-CoV-2 to another individual.
New @CDCMMWR report shows how face coverings can help prevent # COVID19. 2 hair stylists with COVID-19 exposed over 100 clients. All wore face coverings, and no clients were known to be infected with COVID-19. Learn more: https://t.co/gmgYO7mLe3. pic.twitter.com/cAbLUpCKT2
- CDC (@CDCgov) July 14, 2020The hairdresser developed symptoms from May 15 and also continued to work until May 20. Two days later, he learned that he had Covid-19.
Neither positive test in symptoms for clients
During this period, from May 12 to 20, 139 clients, aged 52 on average, were directly served by one of these two professionals. Yet none of them appear to have been infected. The 67 individuals who agreed to be tested were not positive, and all of the others experienced no symptoms.
"Customers were asked to self-isolate in quarantine for 14 days and were called or contacted daily by message, none reported signs or symptoms of Covid-19," insist the CDC.
Towards a generalization of the wearing of the mask?
This could be explained by the almost systematic wearing of the mask. Because the two professionals and the 139 clients were almost all provided, for at least part of the 15 to 45 minutes spent in the hair salon, with a mask. This was most often surgical or fabric, according to the recommendations of the city, but some preferred an anti-particle mask with a filter.
And the authors of the study conclude, in this period when many American states are facing a significant rebound in the number of patients, that "the widespread adoption of policies requiring covering their faces in public places must be considered to reduce the impact and magnitude of possible new waves of Covid-19 ”.
