Face masks: An open invitation to a virus: So how does the face mask work? The holes in the fabric are far too big to trap a virus mechanically. The face mask is damp from your breath, and the minute particles of mucus and saliva containing the virus stick to the fabric. Think of a forest of fly papers. Its other feature is that it works both ways, i.e. the air passing through can reverse. However, when you take the mask off, it dries out and the viruses can be released which is why ideally it should be destroyed/disposed of immediately.
Face masks fail because they can’t be sealed to your face, i.e. there’s an air leak all round the edge. Beards make it even worse. A subsidiary benefit is that they stop you touching your nose/mouth, the main method of transmission of the disease.
