Scientists in China say they have developed a face mask capable of detecting Covid-19 in the air.
The mask alerts the wearer if they have been exposed to Covid-19 or influenza. However, the wearer must have been exposed for about 10minutes with an infected person.
Special sensors attached to the mask can respond to as little as 0.3 microlitres of viruses in the air. These are far smaller than those produced by a cough or sneeze.
The findings from researchers at Shanghai’s Tongji University were reported in the science journal Matter.
The team tested the mask in an enclosed chamber by spraying liquid and aerosols containing trace-levels of viruses.
They said the mask would work well in confined spaces with poor ventilation. such as elevators or enclosed rooms.
