Many do not like wearing a muzzle because it makes breathing more difficult and does not enable the beholder to distinguish the features of the other's face and emotions well. The plastic face mask looks like a suitable solution, but what does science say about its effectiveness in preventing the emergence of the emerging corona virus? Is it better than the muzzle?

Better breathing, smiling distinction, and better understanding by seeing facial features, the most important advantages of a plastic mask on a muzzle. However, wearing the mask to protect against infection with the emerging coronavirus is still a matter of scientific controversy.

The German state of Hesse allowed the wearing of a plastic mask as an alternative to the muzzle, unlike the state of Baden-Würzburg which does not consider it a substitute. So what do scientists say about the ability of the plastic mask to protect against the emerging coronavirus, "SARS Cove 2", which causes Covid-19, compared to the traditional mask?

There is not much scientific data on the ability of the mask to provide protection. Hence there is no conclusive scientific judgment. The German virologist Alexander Kikule says in a press statement that the plastic mask is "as good" as the fabric mask, but the Robert Koch State Institute does not consider it a substitute for the quality of mouth and nose coverage.

The virologist from the University Hospital in Hamburg, Johannes Knobloch, stresses the importance of differentiating between protecting oneself and protecting the other when talking about a plastic mask. "To protect oneself, the face mask is ideal for protection from infection by spitting and to protect the mucous membranes."

But when talking about protecting others from infection, the German researcher has another opinion. He says, "The plastic face mask protects only from viruses carried by the spray that collides with the walls of the mask."

The cloth muzzle in turn provides better protection due to the lack of a space between the mouth and the mask wall, according to Knobloch, a view shared by the Robert Koch Institute for Infectious Diseases. Spray can spread in the air due to the large distance between the mask and the mouth.

Kikule goes back to saying that the mask protects the same degree of fabric muzzle when the person is not present with others for too long in a closed room.

Source of disagreement

The muzzle, in turn, was a source of disagreement among epidemiologists at the beginning of the disease, as some underestimated it, after which it became clear that it was necessary, which was later confirmed by studies in China, Spain and Germany, that the muzzle contributed to a slowdown in the spread of the disease by 50%, after the policy approved it in the spaces the public.

German virologist Hendrik Strick had expressed skepticism about the usefulness of wearing masks in everyday life because of the incorrect use of them often.

Fertile environment

In previous statements to the German newspaper "Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung", Struck said, "People put masks in their pockets, hold them constantly, and put them on their mouths for two weeks, perhaps without washing (...) It is an excellent fertile environment for bacteria and fungi."

According to the Deutsche Welle site, the World Health Organization warns that masks may increase the risk of transmission, if touched too much or lowered to the bottom of the chin and then raised again above the nose and mouth.

The organization also warned that the masks may give a false sense of safety to the wearer, which could lead to a reduction in the number of times washing hands or not committing to leaving a sufficient distance between individuals.

Gags are only useful - as the World Health Organization says - if they are used correctly, and all other conditions are met.