Several researchers have invented a new kind of face mask that covers a person's nose while eating.
According to Reuters, the nose masks, which people can wear under a full mask with matching behind-the-ears straps, were revealed in a demonstration video in which a man and woman sit down for lunch.
Before chowing down at an outdoor table, the duo removes their usual masks to expose their nose-only gear.
Nose-only COVID-19 mask: Made in Mexico, China
Mexican researchers made this 'Eating Mask' to protect people from COVID-19 while eating and drinking.
According to China News Service, Dr. Jiang Jinjun of the Zhongshan Hospital's pneumology department first invented this new mask prototype before Mexicans did it.
"Doctors and nurses work long hours in the hospital, and we have to remove our mask to eat or drink," the experts claimed.
A modified mask which covers only the nose has recently been used by medical workers at the frontlines of the novel #coronavirus battle. The mask is aimed at reducing the risk of contracting the virus while medical personnel have their meals. https://t.co/Hdy1vZIykE #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/ScH7F5Usk6
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) March 5, 2020
However, Dr. Jiang argues that removing the face mask to eat or drink exposes one to the infection, even though the time needed to use the nose-only mask is negligible. Some proponents lauded the proposal on Twitter, claiming it would "reduce [COVID-19] transmission."
The mask appears to have sparked more questions than answers among social media users, who described it as "pointless." One person said the nose-only mask is hardly a modern development since "clowns have been wearing them for years" with a GIF of a bright red clown nose.
ALSO READ: COVID-19 Vaccine: Social Distancing, Wearing a Mask Are Still Needed Despite Getting the Shot
hardly a new invention, clowns have been wearing them for years pic.twitter.com/UlO2SKULXa
— ste cant (@SteCant) March 24, 2021
Do We Still Need to Wear Full Masks to Cover Both Our Nose And Mouth?
New York Post said the World Health Organization urged people to wear masks that cover their nose, mouth, and jaw.
Viruses like COVID-19 are normally distributed by cough droplets, according to the NHS. If the virus becomes airborne, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that healthcare workers use authentic face masks. That is to prevent potentially infectious particles from infecting you.
CDC even advises the general public to wear a face mask of at least two to three layers of filter. This is because it practically doubles the number of layers of substance that virus-containing respiratory droplets would pass through before touching your mouth and face.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said during last month's CNN's State of the Union, suggests wearing two masks at once is a "common sense."
"So if you have a physical covering with one layer, you put another layer on it, it just makes common sense that it likely will be more effective," the expert said.
As new COVID-19 mutations emerge and become more frequent, Fauci said full face masks function as a physical barrier, preventing droplets and viruses from entering your system.
According to the CDC, face masks would be required while flying in and out of United States and even while riding trains, buses, and other transportation modes.
Check out more news and information on COVID-19 on Science Times.
