Australia

Melbourne, Home-made cloth face masks may need a minimum of two layers, and preferably three, to prevent the dispersal of viral droplets associated with COVID-19, according to a study. Researchers, including those from the University of New South Wales in Australia, noted that viral droplets are generated by those infected with the novel coronavirus when they cough, sneeze, or speak. As face masks have been proven to protect healthy people from inhaling infectious droplets as well as reducing the spread from those who are already infected, several types of material have been suggested for these, but based on little or no evidence of how well they work, the scientists said. In the current study, published in the journal Thorax, the researchers compared the effectiveness of single and double-layer cloth face coverings with a surgical face mask (Bao Thach) at reducing droplet spread. They said the single layer covering was made from a folded piece of cotton T shirt and hair ties, and the double layer covering was made using the sew method described by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The scientists used a tailored LED lighting system and a high-speed camera to film the dispersal of airborne droplets produced by a healthy person with no respiratory infection, during speaking, coughing, and sneezing while wearing each type of mask. Their analysis showed that the surgical face mask was the most effective at reducing airborne droplet dispersal, although even a single layer cloth face covering reduced the droplet spread from speaking. But the study noted that a double layer covering was better than a single layer in reducing the droplet spread from coughing and sneezing. According to the researchers, the effectiveness of cloth face masks is dependent on the number of layers of the covering, the type of material used, design, fit as well as the frequency of washing. Based on their observations, they said a home made cloth mask with at least two layers is preferable to a single layer mask. "Guidelines on home-made cloth masks should stipulate multiple layers," the scientists said, adding that there is a need for more research to inform safer cloth mask design.

Home-made face masks may need at least two layers to stop COVID-19 spread: Study

8:28 pm July 24, 2020

Melbourne: Home-made cloth face masks may need a minimum of two layers, and preferably three, to prevent the dispersal of viral droplets associated with COVID-19, according to a study. Researchers, including those from the University of New South Wales in Australia, noted that viral droplets are generated by those infected with the novel coronavirus when they cough, sneeze, […]

Amber Heard wraps up testimony in Johnny Depp libel trial

8:17 pm July 23, 2020

London: Amber Heard insisted Thursday that she never wanted to let the world know about the years Johnny Depp allegedly abused her, as she concluded giving evidence in her ex-husband’s libel case against a British tabloid for labeling him as a “wife-beater.” Taking the witness stand for a fourth straight day, Heard testified that everything […]

Dubai, Dharmasala, Ahmedabad 3 options for India’s training camp, UAE favourites for hosting IPL

11:31 pm July 17, 2020

New Delhi: The United Arab Emirates has emerged as the top contender to host India’s training camp along with Ahmedabad and Dharamsala being the other options discussed at the BCCI Apex Council meeting. With India’s COVID-19 case load exceeding a million mark, UAE is favourite to host this edition of Indian Premier League which is […]

India favourably considering Australia’s entry into Malabar exercise: Sources

11:16 pm July 10, 2020

New Delhi: India is a favourably considering Australia’s keen interest to be part of the next edition of the Malabar naval exercise which is scheduled to be held later this year, people familiar with the development said on Friday. If India decides to include Australia in the exercise, then it will comprise all members of the “Quad” or Quadrilateral coalition which […]

Australia will respond 'very seriously' to war crime allegations: PM Morrison

Australia suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong; offers safe haven visas to students, skilled workers

3:03 pm July 9, 2020

Melbourne: Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday announced the suspension of Australia’s extradition treaty with Hong Kong over the controversial Chinese national security law imposed there and offered visas to 10,000 students and temporary skilled workers from the former British territory to start a new life in this country. The move came after Chinese President Xi Jinping last month signed a controversial legislation to impose a national […]