A modeling study out of Cambridge  University  in Cambridge, England, and Greenwich University in London  suggests that face masks may be even more important than originally thought in preventing future outbreaks of the new coronavirus.

The authors say “A combination of facemask wearing and lock-down periods implemented together is indicated to provide a better solution to the COVID-19 pandemic than either in isolation. ”

The modeling indicated that when lockdown periods are combined with 100% face mask use, disease spread is vastly diminished, preventing resurgence for 18 months.   It also demonstrated that if people wear masks in public, it is twice as effective at reducing the number of people who might be exposed than if face coverings are only worn after symptoms appear.

The study says that surgical or respirator N95 masks are not needed, just cloth face coverings of some kind.  Homemade coverings that catch only 50 percent of exhaled droplets would provide a “population-level benefit,” the study says.

The study also says  the models may explain why “some countries, where adoption of facemask use by the public is around 100%, have experienced significantly lower rates of COVID-19 spread and associated deaths.”

The study also notes that wearing a mask is to keep the wearer from spreading droplets and protect others.

The study was in Proceedings of the Royal Journal A, which was founded in 1660.