As COVID-19 restrictions ease and a fifth wave hits Europe alongside the Omicron variant, many have grown casual about mask protocols. But is this non-compliance a real risk?
Nearly two years into the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it's common to see people sidelining early guidelines on surgical masks. Masks dangle from arms, get pocketed or bagged, or are tossed in with weekly laundry. Even when worn, they often sit below the nose.
Should we be concerned? From spring 2020, experts stressed handwashing before handling masks, fearing surface transmission. Today, airborne spread dominates, reducing the urgency of that step.
Denis Corpet, professor of hygiene and nutrition at the University of Toulouse and member of the Adios Corona scientific collective, notes that moisture from talking, coughing, sneezing, or sweating degrades filtration. Replace after several hours of use, but don't discard immediately. Drying in a paper envelope can sufficiently decontaminate it.
Machine washing with regular laundry is fine—and environmentally smart amid mask waste concerns. Philippe Cinquin, scientific coordinator at Grenoble University Hospital's Clinical Investigation Center, recommends washing at 40°C for 30 minutes, then air-drying. This results in just a 10% filtration loss.
Masks still excel at curbing aerosol projection. Avoid crossing ear loops to prevent gaps; properly mold the nose clip to seal leaks. Never wear below the nose.
Storage between uses lacks consensus—no ideal spot like arm, pocket, or bag. Prioritize avoiding damage or tears. Real-world studies remain limited, leaving some questions open.
