The number of Covid cases is rising sharply in France. According to modellers, the peak of the epidemic is not yet for now, hence the importance of barrier gestures, this is what the authorities are hammering out, barrier gestures that must be found if they are had a little left out. Details with Geraldine Zamansky, journalist for the Health magazine on France 5.
franceinfo: Contrary to the hopes of this summer, we are really not rid of it?
Geraldine Zamansky: Exactly, since this summer, in exchange for the health pass at the entrance of a public place, we could sometimes give up the mask. But the arrival of winter and the Delta and then Omicron variants changes everything. A vaccine or a negative test is not enough to be sure that you do not carry the virus without having symptoms.
The main function of so-called surgical masks is to slow down this diffusion. They prevent the passage of almost 100% of the microdroplets which can contain the virus and which come out of the mouth and the nose when we breathe, when we speak… This forms the famous “aerosols” in a room. A bit like cigarette smoke which can create cancer through passive smoking in relatives of a smoker, for example. There, people who are in the same room may this time be infected with the virus.
So putting on a mask protects others if I am a carrier without knowing it, but it can also protect me if someone else is infected?
Yes, it is an additional source of motivation to wear it, while we can no longer, the surgical mask also protects the one whose face it covers. But we know that this protection is imperfect, since the air often passes on the sides for example.
The other option, in the event of a particular risk, is a so-called FFP2 mask, normally reserved for caregivers. To be effective, the size and shape must be adapted to that of the face. The problem is, its fit makes it harder to bear. Hence the importance of a collective adoption of surgical masks: if in a shared office or on a train, everyone wears them, the contagion would be at least halved. And even more with good ventilation.
But do you always mention surgical masks, a mixture of paper and plastic, and fabric masks?
You’re right, so-called Category 1 industrial fabric masks also work, even if they filter a little less finely. And within the limit of the number of washes indicated. All the others, even lovingly made at home, are insufficient.
So of course, the problem with surgical masks limited to 4 hours of use is their cost and the pollution generated. Good news comes from scientists from Grenoble who have shown the possibility of washing them 10 times at least 30 minutes at 40 °, as with fabric masks. You can also, provided you have not damaged them, let them air out for a week.
Be careful, check the box that they comply with the EN14683 standard. Then, for the planet, try to find one of the many new recycling channels.
The last rules to follow
The different masks