Masks with valves and plastic face shields less effective at reducing spread of coronavirus, new study finds

By Helen Johnson
Published 2nd Sep 2020, 14:38 BST
Updated 2nd Sep 2020, 14:41 BST
Many people who don’t like face masks have opted for plastic face shields or masks with valves, making it easier to breathe (Photo: Shutterstock)Many people who don’t like face masks have opted for plastic face shields or masks with valves, making it easier to breathe (Photo: Shutterstock)
Many people who don’t like face masks have opted for plastic face shields or masks with valves, making it easier to breathe (Photo: Shutterstock)

Many people who don’t like face masks have opted for plastic face shields or masks with valves, making it easier to breathe.

But new research has found that these types of face coverings may not stop the spread of Covid-19 as effectively as regular cloth or disposable masks.

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Droplets can escape masks with valves

Scientists in the US found that masks with an "exhalation port" can allow a large number of droplets to escape through the air valve unfiltered.

They warn this makes them ineffective at stopping the spread of Covid-19 if the person wearing the mask has the virus.