. Suresh K. Sharma; . Mayank Mishra; . Shiv K. Mudgal
Volume 10, Issue 7 , July 2020, , Pages 1-8
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Novel coronavirus is believed to be tiny enough (0.08–0.14 μm) to penetratethrough face mask, thus protection offered by cloth mask may be too low. However, the ...
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INTRODUCTION: Novel coronavirus is believed to be tiny enough (0.08–0.14 μm) to penetratethrough face mask, thus protection offered by cloth mask may be too low. However, the use of clothface mask in community has been recommended by the United States Centre for Disease Controland Prevention and regulatory bodies of other countries. There is paucity of literature on efficacy ofcloth face mask in preventing SARS‑CoV‑2 infection transmission; thus, this review aims to updatethe available most recent evidences on efficacy of cloth face masks in prevention of viral infectiontransmission.METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Clinical Trials Register for identifying studiesrelated to this review using free‑text terms and MeSH terms. Both experimental and observationalstudies on efficacy of cloth masks which were published in English language have been includedin this review except expert opinions, commentaries, editorials, and review articles. Twelve studieswere eligible to be included in review for data extraction and qualitative synthesis was carried outfrom extracted data but quantitative analysis (meta‑analysis) could not be performed because ofserious heterogeneity between the studies.RESULTS: Cloth face masks show minimum efficacy in source control than the medical grade mask.The efficacy of cloth face masks filtration varies and depends on the type of material used, numberof layers, and degree of moisture in mask and fitting of mask on face.CONCLUSION: Cloth face masks have limited efficacy in combating viral infection transmission.However, it may be used in closed, crowded indoor, and outdoor public spaces involving physicalproximity to prevent spread of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection.
