Most fabric masks help against the Corona virus as much as a sieve against water.
Often not woven tightly enough and far too permeable: Efficacy tests of disposable and fabric masks are alarming, says Swiss aerosol researcher Ernest Weingartner. He therefore calls for a uniform testing standard for textile masks as well – as already exists for medical masks.
Help with lockdown frustration?
A band from Berlin has a tip:
Addendum 2021: For almost a year, policymakers in Germany allowed the rule: A fabric mask did to supposedly protect against SARS CoV-2. In the meantime, it must be an FFP2 mask. According to the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the masks are generally “not recommended” for private use. The EU health authority considers the added value of general use of the masks to be low.