Researchers in Mexico sniffed a new COVID-19 mask designed for people to wear only over their scnoses while eating, according to a report on Wednesday.
The nose masks – worn under a full mask with similar straps behind the ears – were revealed in a demonstration video in which a man and a woman sit at lunch, according to Reuters.
In the video, the couple takes off their usual masks to reveal their nose-only tools before throwing themselves at an outdoor table.
Some observers cheered the idea on Twitter, saying it would “reduce transmission ” while others mocked his stupid appearance.
“Hardly a new invention, the clowns have been wearing them for years”, one posted by the user, along with a photograph of a bright red clown nose.
Human cells that give people a sense of smell are a key entry point for coronavirus, which makes nosebleeds important, according to Johns Hopkins University.
But the World Health Organization recommends that people wear masks to cover their nose, mouth and chin to best protect themselves from the virus.
Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also shown that more mask material is generally better than less. Last month, a CDC study showed that double masking can significantly reduce the spread of coronavirus.
In the United States, about 30 million people contracted the virus and 544,000 people died from it, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The report did not mention the names of Mexican researchers, their company or when the nose masks could become available to the public.