This is something I’ve heard a lot, and assuming it’s true, what’s the science behind it? Surely holes in masks are the same size no matter whether the germs are heading in or out, but I’m guessing it’s not about the holes and I’m missing something.
Obligatory disclaimer: I’m not an anti-masker, I’m still wearing it in shops for example. This is just me wanting to understand.
In: Biology
Let’s say a room has a high concentration of virus in the air – we’ll call it 100 arbitrary units. If a mask is 70% effective, you will still breathe in 30 units of virus.
If all the sick people in the room wear masks, the concentration of virus in the room drops to 30 units. That’s much less virus for your mask to have to block, making it much more effective at keeping the virus out.
If you add distancing, you’ll further lower the amount of virus you’re exposed to and the probability of getting sick.
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