Expert recommends use of surgical masks for public use during summer

"숨쉬기 힘든 KF94보다 수술용 마스크가 적합"...국내 학술지 첫 게재 Some experts say surgical masks can be just as good as high efficiency face masks for blocking droplets from coughs or sneezes.As temperatures rise in South Korea and with the COVID-19 outbreak unlikely to end anytime soon, the South Korean government is considering doubling the production of these thinner masks that will be more comfortable to wear in the country's hot and humid summer months.Yoon Jung-min has the details. This experiment shows how surgical masks can be as effective as KF94 masks for blocking droplets from the mouth and nose.The results were published in this month's Journal of Korean medical science by Doctor Kim Mi-na of the Asan Medical Center.It's the first time a post published in a local journal has recommended the public use of surgical masks since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.Kim says surgical masks are effective enough as they were designed to prevent infections at hospitals,... and they make it easier for people to breathe.The doctor added high efficiency mask filters are not recommended to be used for longer than 4 hours,... as they are affected by moisture when users breathe in and out."We've been using surgical masks in hospitals for decades. They are effective enough to block droplets. It's important that people wash their hands frequently and keep distance from others."As summer nears in South Korea, the government plans to double the amount of surgical masks produced."KF94 masks are highly protective, but they can also make it difficult to breathe. So we recommend dental or surgical masks." In early June, the government plans to announce its recommended standards for thinner face masks for public use that have the same effectiveness as surgical masks used in hospitals.Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.