Researchers in Mexico developed a nose-only COVID-19 mask they say limits the risk of infection spread while eating and talking during meals.
The creators of the design say that removing a mask to eat or drink increases the risk of exposure to the virus, according to a video from Reuters.
While the nose-only mask does not eliminate all risks of spreading infection, researchers say the design offers some sort of protection when people cannot wear a full mask. It is unclear if this type of mask will go into mass production.
The video depicting the nose-only mask shows a woman placing a full face covering on top of her nose mask after she has finished eating.
MAJOR STORES WILL STILL ENFORCE MASK MANDATES IN TEXAS AND MISSISSIPPI DESPITE LIFTED REGULATIONS
Researchers in Mexico have made a nose-only Covid mask, which they say reduces the risk of infection of coronavirus during eating and talking. pic.twitter.com/ArUEGZaJj3
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 24, 2021
A study from Johns Hopkins University in August noted that cells that give people a sense of smell are a key entry point for coronavirus into the human body, underscoring that covering the nose is important to reducing the risk of infection, as well as the mouth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a recent study showed wearing two masks could potentially further reduce the spread of COVID-19. The White House has said the study “doesn’t issue definitive guidance,” meaning wearing two masks in public is not a requirement.
While masks are still recommended, the CDC recently altered its pandemic guidance, reducing the threshold of a minimum distance between people from 6 feet to 3 feet.
Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, there have been 124,544,117 cases globally and 2,739,249 fatalities related to the virus around the world.
The United States has reported 29,922,392 cases and 543,843 fatalities. Mexico has confirmed 2,203,041 total cases since the outset of the pandemic and 199,048 deaths.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The Washington Examiner contacted the CDC but did not immediately receive a response.
