Using widely available tools, scientists have developed a very simple process to visualise how effectively different types of masks prevent the spread of droplets which could contain novel coronavirus contaminants, an advance which could aid small scale mask producers to replicate designs, and assist community outreach organisations demonstrate proper mask fitting procedures.

The technique, described in the journal Science Advances, is still in the first stages, and has only been tested in a little group of people, the scientists said.

However, they stated bandanas and neck fleeces probably provide little protection, as the scientists observed that more droplets are expelled through those materials.

They said this is probably because the materials divide larger droplets as they pass through the material.

In the analysis, the scientists evaluated the potency of 14 different kinds of masks as well as other frequently substituted face coverings, using a very simple approach where either one male speaker or, in some cases, four speakers wore each mask whilst standing in a black enclosure.

The speaker then uttered the term"stay healthy, people" five times in the course of a laser beam, which scattered light in the droplets released during language, the analysis noted.

A mobile phone camera recorded on the droplets and a very simple computer algorithm relied on them, the scientists included.

The installation, intentionally made to be simple and affordable, can be replicated by non-experts, according to the researchers.

They said that the hardware it requires, including laser equipment, is generally available and could be gotten for significantly less than USD 200.

While the investigators acknowledge the need for additional testing, they indicated based on the findings that N95 masks with no valves blocked droplet spread finest, and surgical or polypropylene masks and handmade cotton face coverings were also effective.

But the early findings suggested that bandanas and throat fleeces do not offer protection.

"More work is required to investigate variations in masks, speakers, and how people wear them. We also want to expand our method to additional droplet-generating actions, such as coughing and coughing. Further, we would like to research effects of incorrect placement and moisture saturation," Fischer explained.