Adherence of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant to a surgical mask and N95 respirators

The use of facial protection has been adopted globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We dissected four respirators and one surgical mask into layers to determine whether or not the virus adheres to them. These individual layers were contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, and its release by vortexing was performed. Samples were used to infect Vero cells, and a plaque assay was used to evaluate the adherence of the virus to the layers. Results showed that a cumulative log reduction of the layers reduced the load of the virus by at least sixfold. Our study confirms the effectiveness of facial protection in reducing the transmission and/or infection of SARS-CoV-2. Plain language summary: The use of facial protection, including masks and respirators, has been adopted globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These products have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the transmission of the virus. This study tested whether the virus can adhere to the different layers of respirators and a surgical mask. These individual layers were contaminated with the COVID-19 Delta variant, and we determined the degree of release after applying a mechanical force. Samples were used to infect cells, and the adherence of the virus to the layers was assessed. Results showed that a significant reduction in the number of viruses was observed. Our study confirms the effectiveness of facial protection in reducing the transmission and or infection of SARS-CoV-2.