and the presence of virus variants in Peru generate a higher viral load in certain spaces and make it necessary for each citizen to wear a double face mask, particularly in crowded places.
This was affirmed on Friday by
Cayetano Heredia Hospital's infectious disease specialist Leslie Soto, noting that the double mask combination prevents —for example— an infected but asymptomatic person from transmitting the virus to nearby people —either at the office, market or while in the public transportation system, especially if there is not a proper ventilation.
"The function of the double mask is precisely to cover the nose and mouth properly so that there is no leakage of fluids to the outside, and even better if it is well pressed to the face to prevent any leakage (...)," he told
Andina news agency.
The
physician explained that the particles suspended into the air —when a person sneezes in a closed and unventilated space— can enter through the nose, mouth, and even through the eyes of another person who is not well protected.
"If I sneeze at this moment, and we are in a closed space, the large particles fall to the ground, but the tiny ones remain floating for a while longer," he indicated.
Therefore, Soto insisted on the need to use a double mask combination and also a face shield when each citizen goes to markets or travel on public transportation means.
Thanks to this type of protection, passengers reduce the risk of catching the particles expelled by those who use masks and face shields at the same time, but wear the face masks under their nose, wrongly believing that the face shield is enough.
At-risk group
The
physician recommended using a double face mask, even at home where people —who make up the risk group— reside, thus meaning senior, hypertensive, or diabetic citizens, who suffer from cardiovascular or kidney problems.
"If there is a (family) group in which there are people from the risk group, the use of a double face mask combination is recommended, and even more so if one of its members does the shopping for the household," he said.
Lastly, the specialist recommended using the three-fold surgical masks or the N-95, as they offer a protection range between 90% and 95%, according to recent studies.