MASKS WORK EVEN IF THE VIRUS IS SMALLER THAN THE HOLES IN THE FABRIC
As a first effect, the virus bounces on the fibers. That's enough to decrease the distance at which it "jumps out". It might even get some of the particles to stuck to the fibers.
(thread, 1/N)
As a first effect, the virus bounces on the fibers. That's enough to decrease the distance at which it "jumps out". It might even get some of the particles to stuck to the fibers.
(thread, 1/N)
2/ Second, N95 masks also have electrostatic charges that capture particles even if they are smaller than the holes in the fabric.
3/ Third, masks would work even if the virus passed fully through.
They reduce the distance at which it travels after, say, a sneeze. It's as if they introduced additional distance between people.
Moreover, they work both on the way out and on the way in.
They reduce the distance at which it travels after, say, a sneeze. It's as if they introduced additional distance between people.
Moreover, they work both on the way out and on the way in.
4/ Fourth, as @nntaleb explained over and over, masks are all about the collective benefit
Even just a 20% benefit compounds fast when you realize that the virus goes through many "social jumps" as it infects a population
Even more so if infection severity depends on viral load
Even just a 20% benefit compounds fast when you realize that the virus goes through many "social jumps" as it infects a population
Even more so if infection severity depends on viral load
5/ Fifth, if we all wear masks, we reduce the amount of virus in the air.
This protects others.
It's exactly because masks are not 100% effective that we should all wear them.
This protects others.
It's exactly because masks are not 100% effective that we should all wear them.
6/ (Thread images from nytimes.com/interactive/20…)
7/ So, masks work.
Even if the virus is smaller than the holes in the fabric.
As anyone who ever rode a bicycle would know.
Even if the virus is smaller than the holes in the fabric.
As anyone who ever rode a bicycle would know.
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