According to research around the SARS epidemic, markers were essentially the most consistently effective intervention for lowering the contraction and spread of SARS. In a Cochrane Review for the subject, six out of seven studies showed that face mask (surgical and N95) offered significant protection against SARS. Hand washing has also been effective, backed up by four beyond seven studies in a multivariate analysis.

Face coverings are now a legal requirement in numerous public spaces worldwide. But even before they became compulsory, masks were causing litter problems on land possibly at sea.

The team also found that common household disinfectants, including bleach, were effective in “killing” the herpes simplex virus.

Dr. Gandhi and her colleagues get this argument in a new paper slated to become published inside the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Drawing from animal experiments and observations of assorted events throughout the pandemic, they contend that people wearing …