Masks Can Limit Household Spread Before Virus Symptoms Appear

Face masks can help keep the coronavirus from spreading within households -- but only if they go on before symptoms appear, according to a study.

Masks were 79% effective at halting spread of the virus if at least one person in the home started wearing a face covering before anyone got sick, according to a survey of 124 families in Beijing published in BMJ Global Health. Using disinfectant every day, opening the windows and staying at least 1 meter apart were also linked with lower infection risk.