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Journal Article

Face masks effectively limit the probability of SARS-CoV-2 transmission

MPS-Authors
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Cheng,  Yafang
Multiphase Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Max Planck Society;

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Andreae,  Meinrat O.
Multiphase Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Max Planck Society;

/persons/resource/persons101189

Pöschl,  Ulrich
Multiphase Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Max Planck Society;

/persons/resource/persons101295

Su,  Hang
Multiphase Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Max Planck Society;

External Resource

https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/science.abg6296
(Publisher version)

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Citation

Cheng, Y., Ma, N., Witt, C., Rapp, S., Wild, P. S., Andreae, M. O., et al. (2021). Face masks effectively limit the probability of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Science, 372, 1439-1443. doi:10.1126/science.abg6296.


Cite as: https://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-0008-909F-2
Abstract
Airborne transmission by droplets and aerosols is important for the spread of viruses. Face masks are a well-established preventive measure, but their effectiveness for mitigating SARS-CoV-2 transmission is still under debate. We show that variations in mask efficacy can be explained by different regimes of virus abundance and related to population-average infection probability and reproduction number. For SARS-CoV-2, the viral load of infectious individuals can vary by orders of magnitude. We find that most environments and contacts are under conditions of low virus abundance (virus-limited) where surgical masks are effective at preventing virus spread. More advanced masks and other protective equipment are required in potentially virus-rich indoor environments including medical centers and hospitals. Masks are particularly effective in combination with other preventive measures like ventilation and distancing.