Do face masks protect the wearer from coronavirus?

Face masks can help slow the spread of coronavirus to other people, but updated guidance from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that masks may also protect wearers who are not infected, though to a lesser degree

CDC update refers to recent research that indicates masks can offer protection from virus particles in the air


Spreader
Infected person not wearing mask

Airborne coronavirus particles
50cm

Receiver
Uninfected person wearing mask

Approximate reduction in amount of virus received compared to no mask
Cotton mask 20-40%
Surgical mask Up to 50%
N95 respirator 80-90%


Spreader
Infected person wearing mask

Airborne coronavirus particles
50cm

Receiver
Uninfected person not wearing mask

Approximate amount of virus blocked by mask
Cotton or surgical masks More than 50%
N95 Up to 99%


Spreader
Infected person wearing cotton or surgical mask

Airborne coronavirus particles
50cm

Receiver
Uninfected person wearing cotton or surgical mask

Reduction in amount of virus reaching receiver: Approximately 70%


Note: Research indicates that even professional-grade face coverings cannot eliminate infection risk entirely. CDC does not recommend using face masks alone. Hand hygiene, social distancing and being in well-ventilated areas are important to curb spread of disease


Sources: American Society for Microbiology, AP, Reuters 
Picture: Newscom 
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