{"id":21483,"date":"2020-09-24T10:15:54","date_gmt":"2020-09-24T09:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.manutan.co.uk\/blog\/?p=21483"},"modified":"2020-09-24T10:15:54","modified_gmt":"2020-09-24T09:15:54","slug":"do-face-masks-stop-viruses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.manutan.co.uk\/blog\/health-safety\/do-face-masks-stop-viruses\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Face Masks Stop Viruses?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the outbreak of COVID-19 leading to new rules regarding <\/span>face masks<\/span><\/a>, many are wondering how effective they are in protecting us. According to the <\/span>WHO<\/span><\/a>, face masks and coverings alone cannot protect against COVID-19, however, they do help to prevent those with symptoms from spreading the virus further, and when used alongside other methods such as hand washing and social distancing, can be very effective in preventing the spread of viruses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do Face Masks Work?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Face masks work to prevent the spread of coronavirus by impeding respiratory droplets from dispersing into the air when someone coughs or sneezes. This is helpful because COVID-19 is understood to spread through airborne transmission. Therefore, if someone who had contracted COVID-19 sneezed whilst wearing a mask, there is less chance of them spreading the virus. Of course, masks alone are not sufficient enough in protecting people from catching coronavirus, however, WHO has indicated that wearing them will help, along with other health and safety precautions.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Else Can I Do to Protect Myself Against a Virus?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As previously mentioned, face masks can help to prevent the spread of viruses, but facial coverings alone cannot protect us. This is why it is important to follow extra precautionary measures to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Here\u2019s what else you can do:<\/span><\/p>\n