(ANSA) - ROME, 11 FEB - Two masks are better than one against Covid-19, 95% protection can be achieved.
The habit that is spreading in the United States, that of wearing protection in addition to the other as Anthony Fauci and Joe Biden did, now seems to be confirmed by the Centers for the Control and Prevention of American Diseases, CDC.
They reported the results of a laboratory experiment in which two artificial heads were spaced about two meters apart, verifying how many coronavirus-sized particles emitted by one were then inhaled by the other.
Researchers found that wearing a surgical or cloth mask blocks about 40% of the particles going to the inhaling head.
With a cloth mask over a surgical one, the percentage rises to 80%.
When both heads wear double masks, 95% is reached.
For now, US health authorities explain that the first step is to get people to wear at least one face mask and do it correctly.
"The first challenge - underlines John Brooks, of the CDC - is to get the greatest number of people to wear a mask. And then help them to get the maximum benefit from this protective device".
However, the study has limitations: the researchers used one brand of surgical masks and only one type of cloth mask, and it's not clear whether the results would have been the same with other products.
But it adds to some previous research that suggests that two masks are better than one.
The CDC also updated their guide, explaining that people can wear a cloth mask over the disposable surgical mask "for a better fit and extra protection".
(HANDLE).