More evidence face masks help restraint spread the spreading of the coronavirus has come up after a study found it reduced infection by up to 75 per cent.

Researchers in Hong Kong studied the transmission of the virus between hamsters, with half infected with COVID-19 and the other being healthy. 

They discribed various scenarios in which the hamsters cages were either cloaked with face mask material or not.  

Although it’s completely different to how humans interact, the researchers said it showed ‘very clearly’ that covering the nose and mouth is hugely effective to mitigate spread.

The study comes after months of conflicting information from world health bodies concerning masks and if the public should wear them. 

The British government recently U-turned and encouraged people to wear coverings when social distancing isn’t possible.

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It had previously feared that the advice would leave a shortage of surgical masks for healthcare workers.

It involved two groups of hamsters – one were infected with COVID-19, some of which were not displaying symptoms, and the other were perfectly healthy. 

A fan was placed between the cages to allow for the transmission of respiratory droplets from the infected hamsters’ restraint spread cage to the other

The virus is spread by droplets, which can still enter the mask if it is not fitted well, and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Masks are not seen as a reliable protection tool in comparison to hand washing or keeping socially distant from people. They can give a false sense of security that someone is completely protected. 

But still says only two types of people should wear masks: those who are sick and show symptoms, and those who are caring for people who are suspected to have the coronavirus.  

But other academics argue that despite a lack of evidence to show it restraint spread, there was nothing to be lost in using face masks just in case. Read here