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  • Protection.The habitual and massive use of the mask will stop a new wave

Since the start of the pandemic, face masks have generated intense debate. First, the controversy revolved around its suitability as a prevention tool. After this point, the controversy turned to which models were the most suitable and whether they could be used at home ... Now, the announcement by the Catalan Minister of Health, Alba Vergés, about the obligation to use this protection in any circumstance -and not only in closed spaces and when the safety distance cannot be guaranteed- the role of the masks in the control of the epidemic is once again on the table. The decision comes just as some German states, with a low incidence of infections, are considering stopping using protection in the medium term.

What Catalonia has proposed

The Minister of Health of the Generalitat, Alba Vergés intends to expand the measure taken in the Segrià region, in Lleida -where a major SARS-CoV-2 outbreak is active and will propose this Tuesday to the Government that the use of masks throughout Catalonia and at all times, regardless of whether or not the safety distance can be maintained. "We believe that we must take this step", due to "the behavior we have as a society, in the risks we assume; there is beginning to be much more mobility, more movement of people, people who will come to spend the holidays ... therefore, To reduce the risks, I think it is important to take these measures, "Vergés stressed in statements to RAC-1. The obligation will only have some exceptions: at home, when people play sports and on the beach.

Why masks are useful against infection

Without vaccines or specific treatments in sight, the use of masks, together with social distance and hygiene measures are the best tool we have against the virus. This has been confirmed by recent research that, for the first time, has carried out a systematic review of the most effective interventions to reduce the risk of infection. According to their data, without this protection, the risk of virus transmission is 17.4%. With it, it drops to 3.1%, they point out. The masks are mainly effective in preventing an infected person - even if they do not know it - from expelling drops with viral particles to the outside. If both the infected person and the other people with whom they interact carry protection, the risk of contagion greatly decreases. Other recent work has pointed out that frequent use of this protection in public spaces helps to keep the coronavirus (R0) reproduction number low and prevent new outbreaks of the disease.

Which masks are the most effective

According to the study cited, FFP2 or equivalent masks are more effective than surgical or reusable masks in terms of protection against contagion. However, given the lack of availability in many contexts of the most efficient filtering masks, such as FFP2, their use should be prioritized in healthcare facilities. "The use of FFP2 for the population could be theoretically effective, but in practice breathing through these masks wearing them tight enough, which is how they are effective, is very uncomfortable because it makes breathing difficult, especially in older people or ill or if they are doing some physical exercise, among other reasons, "Ángel Asensio, head of the Preventive Medicine service at the Puerta de Hierro Hospital in Majadahonda (Madrid) recently pointed out. In addition, "while there is a shortage of these masks, which last for hours, they should be prioritized for professionals, who are the most exposed to aerosols from the patients they serve."

What about aerosols

Precisely the transmission of the virus through aerosols - small drops of less than five micrometers with viral particles capable of floating in the air - is a controversial issue right now. 239 scientists from around the world have asked the WHO to reconsider its position on the role of this route of contagion. Until now, the WHO has maintained that the virus is transmitted mainly from person to person, through drops of more than five micrometers that a person emits when coughing, sneezing or even talking. The size of these drops means that they cannot move beyond two meters; reason why this safety distance against contagions has been established. However, in a joint letter, 239 researchers have pointed out to the WHO that there is evidence that airborne transmission - by aerosols - may play a greater role than what is being given in this epidemic, especially in certain circumstances, such as in closed spaces with a large number of people inside. Therefore, they have requested that the WHO review their recommendations. If these scientists are correct and their point of view is confirmed, the importance of wearing a mask would gain even more weight.

What the studies say

Recent research published in the 'Proceedings of the Royal Society' predicted that the mass adoption of this protection, combined with intermittent isolates, would prevent the resurgence of the disease for at least the 18 months required for a possible vaccine.A whole population with devices with Only 75% effectiveness can reduce a very high 'RO' number from 4.0 to less than 1.0, even without the help of insulation, the study says.

An OECD report has indicated this Tuesday that 56% of workers in Spain carry out an activity at risk of contagion by coronavirus. In this context, with a lot of physical interaction, masks are a fundamental protection tool.

Germany

The Minister of Economy of the federal state of Mecklenburg-Antepomerania - with a low infection rate - has spoken in favor of lifting the mandatory nature of the mask in public places, a measure that other states in the north of the German country have also proposed. . However, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has stressed the importance of this protection in places where the safety distance cannot be kept to keep the number of infections low.

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