Miles apart: FFP2 masks vs maskless COVID exposure

In 10 seconds? Many countries have loosened up their regulations only to be hit by the fast-spreading Omicron coronavirus-variant. Suddenly the talk – and rules – are again about wearing masks and researchers have demonstrated the dramatic difference they can make.

Like I haven’t heard it before… what did they find out? A new study shows mask-wearing – even with partially fitting masks - to be more effective than social distancing. Using a mathematical model, the risk of getting an infection was calculated to be 90% within minutes of exposure even at a 3-meter distance, when not wearing a mask. But when 2 individuals wear masks and maintain a 1.5m distance, the risk drops to 30%, even when the infected and non-infected persons spend over an hour in proximity. And, if both wear a well-fitted FFP2-mask, the risk further drops to 0.4%.