Would you be comfortable wearing a nose mask in public to protect you against catching coronavirus when eating? A scientist in Mexico seems to think it’s a good idea, but we’re not convinced.
What is a nose mask? It is a mask used for the sole purpose of covering your nose while you eat in a restaurant or public space. The mask offers protection for your nose but leaves your mouth exposed and should only be worn underneath a full mask, until you have to eat.
The creator of the nose mask is scientist Gustavo Acosta Altamirano from the National Polytechnic Institute, in Mexico City.
READ: No real evidence Vitamin D effective to treat or prevent COVID-19
The nose mask has drawn international attention
A video was created to show consumers how to use the unique mask and why scientists believe it will reduce the transmission of coronavirus.
As expected, the mask has drawn international attention with many saying the virus can still be transmitted through the mouth and eyes. Some even accused the creator of luring users into a false sense of security.
One Twitter user called it a ‘face bikini’. Others trolled the post saying it was irresponsible and silly.
According to the World Health Organization’s basic rules on how to wear a mask:
- Clean your hands before you put your mask on, as well as before and after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time.
- Make sure it covers both your nose, mouth and chin.
- When you take off a mask, store it in a clean plastic bag, and every day either wash it if it’s a fabric mask, or dispose of a medical mask in a trash bin.
- Don’t use masks with valves.
ALSO READ: Too much social media can be harmful, but it’s not addictive like drugs
