There has been much confusion about making use of masks during the coronavirus outbreak, following preliminary (and scientifically intemperate) assessments they may not be required by the public. We do not know all the details of how the Covid-19 infection sends by means of respiratory droplets and through contact with infected surface areas, and there isn’t the time to do extensive experiments. However prior experiments with masks and common scientific sense make it clear that the use of masks, or in their lack, even a headscarf wrapped around the nose and mouth, will offer much increased protection instead of absolutely nothing at all.
Breathing droplets, sprayed during activities such as coughing or speaking, variety in size from about 0.1 microns to a couple of hundred microns. Droplets smaller sized than 10 microns (likewise called aerosols) can hang in the air and travel deep into the respiratory passages.
