Do masks prevent the spread of the coronavirus outbreak?

More than 80 million masks were sold on Chinese online retailer, Taobao, on January 20 and 21 following the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus.

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RESTRICTIONS: Broadcast: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN Digital: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN More than 80 million masks were sold on Chinese online retailer, Taobao, on January 20 and 21 following the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus, according to the BBC.

However, wearing facemasks alone is not the most efficient way to avoid transmission of viruses or prevent the contraction of them.

Talking to BBC News, Dr. David Carrington of St George's, University of London explained that surgical masks do not provide sufficient protection from airborne viruses as they have no filter and do not shield the wearer's eyes.

They do however protect against and prevent the spray of coughing and sneezing.

They also provide limited protection against hand-to-mouth viral transmission.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best way to prevent the current coronavirus outbreak is to compound wearing a facemask with the following actions: covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing hands often for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, avoid sharing items that could be infected and consistently monitor for coronavirus symptoms. RUNDOWN SHOWS: 1.

Amount of masks sold in China on Taobao 2.

Masks alone are not efficient in preventing viral transmission 3.

Type of prevention masks provide 4.

Other ways to prevent the spread of viral diseases VOICEOVER (in English): "According to BBC News, more than 80 million masks were sold on Chinese online retailer, Taobao, on January 20 and 21 following the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus." "However, wearing facemasks alone is not the most efficient way to avoid transmission of viruses or prevent the contraction of them." "Talking to BBC News, Dr. David Carrington of St George's, University of London explained that surgical masks do not provide sufficient protection from airborne viruses as they have no filter and do not shield the wearer's eyes." "They do however protect against and prevent the spray of coughing and sneezing.

They also provide limited protection against hand-to-mouth viral transmission." "According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best way to prevent the current coronavirus outbreak is to compound wearing a facemask with the following actions: covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing hands often for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, avoid sharing items that could be infected and consistently monitor for coronavirus symptoms." SOURCES: Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, BBC News https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/guidance-prevent-spread.html https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51205344 *** For story suggestions please contact tips@nextanimation.com.tw For technical and editorial support, please contact: Asia: +61 2 93 73 1841 Europe: +44 20 7542 7599 Americas and Latam: +1 800 738 8377