[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] A study has found that wearing masks at home helps prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Although people usually take off their masks upon entering the front door, it is better not to remove them to avoid transmitting the virus to family members.
According to CNN and other outlets, on the 28th (local time), the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published research results showing that COVID-19 spread could be blocked at home through methods other than medical measures such as mask-wearing, disinfection, and social distancing.
This study was based on interviews conducted with Chinese families living in Beijing and involved doctors and academic experts from Australia, China, and the United States. The research interviewed 460 people from 124 households with at least one confirmed case, focusing on the prevention methods used at home before and after one family member showed symptoms.
As a result, wearing masks at home was found to be effective in preventing virus spread in 79% of cases. It was a prerequisite that all family members wear masks before any symptoms appeared. Additionally, frequent cleaning of the house with bleach or disinfectants was shown to be about 77% effective in preventing virus spread.
However, even if a family member showing symptoms started wearing a mask at that point, the risk of virus spread increased. Also, families who ate together at the same dining table or watched TV together had an 18-fold increase in the risk of virus transmission.
The research team stated, "Because transmission at home during asymptomatic infection or early symptom stages leads to widespread epidemic spread, preventing transmission within households is very important for overall disease control," adding, "If such spread is blocked at home, the overall spread of COVID-19 can be suppressed."
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