Coronavirus infections continue to increase around the world and, now, an animation developed by the University of Japan revealed the risk of contagion when sitting near a person infected with COVID-19 without the use of a mask.
This animation highlights the effectiveness of the masks, since these are the main way in which we can reduce new infections and deaths.
"The science is very clear and the countries that have managed to manage this pandemic and reduce deaths are those countries that have managed to get their population to use masks consistently," warned Dr.
Felipe Lobelo
, an expert in population health.
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For his part, Dr.
Javier Pérez-Fernández
explained that the study focused on observing four people who are sitting around a table and talking without masks.
The result?
People who are next to the infected person have a higher risk of contagion because, according to research, when someone talks to the person sitting in front of them, approximately 5% of the drops reach them.
Whereas when you are sitting next to each other, more than 25% of the drops reach you.
"As we see in the animation, most of the droplets that are falling near the person of the person who coughed are the most important for contagion," explained Pérez-Fernández.
"Particles that could have a certain degree of virus are deposited in people around someone who is sick. [For example] on a table in a restaurant, on a work table or in any meeting place," he added.
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In addition to this, the specialist stressed that the results of the research are very important, since it determines the risk factors "and how people are going to get infected around us."
The study also found that wearing a face shield is much less effective than a face mask.
Therefore, experts highlight the importance of maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask.
See also:
COVID-19: How Much Help Does Taking Your Temperature Help You Avoid Using a Mask?
Mask or vaccine, what is the safest against contagion?
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