SARS-CoV-2 is in the details. It is in such basic and elementary things as ventilating a room well, keeping the appropriate distance and, of course, in fitting the mask well. The latter is precisely one of the most difficult things to achieve. It is enough to take a walk down the street to see loose, poorly fitting or, directly, poorly fitted masks.

And, of course, that is a problem. Because “universal use of the mask is a highly effective means of slowing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 when combined with other protective measures”, but only if it is used well. If not, its effectiveness plummets.

How to better put on a mask (in a simple way)

For this reason, the North American CDC has been looking for simple ways to make sure they’re on properly and this morning has published a study interesting on how to do it. Their conclusions are clear (and quite reasonable): when comparing the exchange of respiratory drops between two people in different situations, they found that the use of a double mask (one hygienic and one made of cloth) improved the effectiveness of one by up to 90%. solo hygienic mask.

But, and this is very interesting, not so much because filtration is improved, but because it helps to fix the mask correctly. In the same way, as seen in the graph above, the researchers also advise tying knots in the rubber bands of the masks, using a nylon brief or similar systems.

That is to say, any attachment system that prevents the mask from moving and leaving gaps where aerosols and droplets can sneak in is an easy way to protect yourself. After all, as I said at the beginning, SARS-CoV-2 is in the details. Specifically in the details that we overlook. Just like the mask fit.

Imagen | Mika Baumeister