Nose-only mask against COVID-19?

Seoul — A nose-only face mask is on sale in South Korea. The invention drew scepticism among the public regarding its effectiveness against Covid-19.

South Korea is one of those countries that have tackled the pandemic head-on, ensuring safety measures can control virus transmission. However, a recent preventative measure got people wondering if it’s enough to protect oneself from Covid-19.

Introducing the Kosk, a new face mask covering only the nose or “ko” in Korean. The nose mask is made of the same materials used in disposable masks, but only covers the middle area of the face.

On sale in South Korea: ‘Kosk’, the mask for your nose (ko), for use in restaurants and cafes….. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/xHs0EwG6bB

— Sokeel Park 박석길 (@Sokeel) February 1, 2022

The new design is marketed specifically for restaurant use, enabling diners to eat without removing their face masks.

“On sale in South Korea: ‘Kosk,’ the mask for your nose (ko), for use in restaurants and cafes (shrug emoji),” tweeted South Korean country director Sokeel Park earlier this month, questioning the product.

Kosks are available in different colours, selling for 2,000 won (S$2.20) for three pieces.

Since the release of the Kosk, members of the online community have expressed what they think of the design.

“‘Kosk’ makes no sense; reasons being: 1. Doesn’t stop the virus entering/exiting the wearer 2. Smell and taste are closely linked. If the ability to smell is reduced, food may seem tasteless!” wrote Twitter user @DyingLambaster.

“No different to the people who wear their masks below their nose,” wrote another netizen.

Meanwhile, Professor Catherine Bennett, chair in epidemiology at Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation in Australia, said that masks that cover only the nose were a “strange idea” but “better than nothing,” reported Nine News.

Some studies have suggested that the nose is the easiest route for Covid-19 to enter the body, “so wearing a nose mask may not be as ridiculous as it looks,” reported The Guardian.

What do you think? /TISG

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