N95 best: Indian scientists

N95 masks may be the most effective at reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to a study by researchers, including those from the Indian Space Research Organisation, which suggests that any mask is better than no mask at preventing COVID-19.

The researchers noted that airborne transmission by respiratory aerosol droplets produced during coughing and sneezing is the dominant mode of spreading for infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

The study published in the journal Physics of Fluids, found that N95 masks reduced a cough's initial velocity by up to a factor of 10, and limit its spread to between 0.1 and 0.25 metres, the researchers said. An uncovered cough, in contrast, can travel up to three metres, but even a simple disposable mask can bring this all the way down to 0.5 metres, they said.

Over 7L still in hospitals

Reports said over 7.07 lakh Covid-19 patients are still in hospitals in India, constituting 22.24% of the total 32.34 lakh infected so far. Only 8,944 of the patients in hospitals are critical, a Health Ministry report to the WHO shows. The death toll in the country rose to 59,449 on Wednesday, said officials.

Mamata announces lock

down dates

The West Bengal government on Wednesday said that the strategy of observing partial lockdown would continue till September 20 across the state. "The new lockdown dates are September 7, 11 and 12,” she said.

Karnataka crosses 3L mark

With 8589 new Covid-19 cases Wednesday, the total caseload in Karnataka crossed the three lakh mark. Apart from that, with 133 patients succumbing to the virus Wednesday across the State, the toll has crossed the 5000 mark.

Bengaluru recorded the highest number of Covid cases at 3294, pushing the total to 1,15,371. The city also reported 31 deaths.