Assessment of Cloth Face Coverings as Source Control Under Laboratory and Simulated Field Conditions

Cloth masks have been evaluated as a potential substitute for personal protective equipment (PPE) and found lacking. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the use of cloth masks was limited and the focus of the limited research available was on the filtration of various fabrics in comparison to either surgical masks or N95 respirators. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak makes it clear that cloth masks are not to be considered as PPE for healthcare workers and should be used in the healthcare setting only as a last resort when no other masks or respirators are available. While cloth masks are not recommended to be used as PPE, the use of cloth masks as primary source control has not yet been examined.