Can Wearing Face Mask Really Help us Prevent COVID-19?

Recently, confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus have exploded in the United States. A small thing that was not mentioned by the public suddenly appeared in everyone's vision and became a hot topic on the Internet. — — Surgical Masks. I believe everyone has heard that since pneumonia occurred in human-to-human cases in various states in the United States, masks have been snapped up in major supermarkets. So the question is: can masks help us effectively block virus intrusion?

The answer from Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University Health and Safety Center, is: "To a certain extent." Ordinary disposable masks can effectively prevent large particles from entering. Our mouth and nose (these are two common ways that viruses enter the body). However, Dr. Adajia also said: "But when wearing a mask, you must be very careful not to put your hands under it and touch your face or do anything that may contaminate your face," but if the mask is not worn Appropriately, or if the quality of the mask used is not up to standard, the fine virus particles or bacteria can still enter the body through the respiratory tract.

Washing hands frequently is the best way to prevent viral bacteria
Amira Roess, a public health expert and professor of global health and epidemiology from George Mason University, said the most effective way to reduce the risk of respiratory diseases or infections is proper hand hygiene. Remember to wash your hands before eating, after going to the toilet, or after leaving a crowded place.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends scrubbing hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds; if water and soap are not available, a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used.