Researchers produce nose-only COVID-19 masks to wear while eating or drinking

Researchers in Mexico have developed a nose-only COVID-19 mask designed for people to wear while eating and drinking.

The mask is worn similarly to a typical mask with straps behind the ears but the fabric solely covers the nasal area instead of both the nose and mouth. The invention is featured in a Reuters video that was circulated on Wednesday. 

The video shows a man and a woman sitting down to eat at the same table and taking off their regular masks to reveal that they are also wearing the nose-only variations. The pair then eat and drink while wearing nose-only masks.

Researchers in Mexico have made a nose-only Covid mask, which they say reduces the risk of infection of coronavirus during eating and talking. pic.twitter.com/ArUEGZaJj3

— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 24, 2021

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, says that more mask coverage and not less is the best-case scenario. A CDC study released last month said that wearing a cloth mask over a medical procedure one, or double masking, can significantly decrease the spread of COVID-19.

The World Health Organization recommends the public wear masks that provide coverage over the nose, mouth and chin. 

Americans became sharply divided on mask wearing last year, which health experts, including National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins, have said could have contributed to the amount of deaths in the country.

The U.S. has confirmed more than 544,000 COVID-19 deaths and nearly 30 million positive cases, according to Johns Hopkins University.