COVID-19: A double layer homemade mask might be more effective against coronavirus

Melbourne : The outbreak of coronavirus has changed our lives and turned it upside down. Our new normal is very different from the way we lived. Our new normal consists of the use of hand sanitizers, sanitizer sprays, face masks and living in constant fear of contracting coronavirus. There's no stopping this virus and the only way we all can find some relief is when the vaccine comes out. Currently, this deadly virus has no cure, vaccine or drug which can help us contain this deadly and highly contagious virus. 

Face masks are our new normal and due to the lack of masks in the market during the initial phases of coronavirus outbreak, people turned to homemade masks and cloth masks. Even now homemade masks have become very popular due to the comfort that they provide. This virus spreads via the droplets that are generated when an infected person sneezes, coughs or even speaks. This is why face masks are essential as they can protect people from the droplets and prevent them from inhaling it.

In a study published in a journal, the Thorax researchers found aside from the type of fabric, the number of layers also plays an important role in protecting us from the droplets. Researchers compared a single-layer and a double-layer cloth face mask with a surgical face mask. The study found that surgical masks and a double layer covering or mask are more effective against coronavirus. The number of layers of the covering, the material, design, fit and the number of times it is washed plays an important role in it's the effectiveness of the mask. A multiple layered homemade mask is safer than using a single layer homemade mask.