Effectiveness of Common Fabrics to Block Aqueous Aerosols of Virus-like Nanoparticles.

Layered systems of commonly available fabric materials can be used by the public and healthcare providers in face masks to reduce the risk of inhaling viruses with protection that is about equivalent to or better than the filtration and adsorption offered by 5-layer N95 respirators. Over 70 different common fabric combinations and masks were evaluated under steady-state, forced convection air flux with pulsed aerosols that simulate forceful respiration. The aerosols contain fluorescent virus-like nanoparticles to track transmission through materials that greatly assist the accuracy of detection, thus avoiding artifacts including pore flooding and the loss of aerosol due to evaporation and droplet breakup. Effective materials comprise both absorbent, hydrophilic layers and barrier, hydrophobic layers. Although the hydrophobic layers can adhere virus-like nanoparticles, they may also repel droplets from adjacent absorbent layers and prevent wicking transport across the fabric system. Effective designs are noted with absorbent layers comprising terry cloth towel, quilting cotton, and flannel. Effective designs are noted with barrier layers comprising nonwoven polypropylene, polyester, and polyaramid.

Impact of cancelled General Anaesthetic dental extraction appointments on children due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has resulted in the cancellation of general anaesthetic procedures including dental extractions (GAX) for children in the UK, exacerbating existing inequalities. There is robust evidence that children from deprived and some ethnic backgrounds are at greater risk of caries and are, therefore, more likely to be affected by cancellations. AIM: To identify the impact of, and possible mitigations for, cancelled general anaesthetic procedures on children in the South East of England. DESIGN: Data were collected from service providers on the number of children who had their appointments cancelled during the first lockdown. Paediatric dentists and clinical leads contributed views on the likely impact of these cancellations on the affected children. RESULTS: 1,456 children had their appointments cancelled in the six weeks between 20th March and 30th June 2020. The key themes identified from providers included lengthening waiting lists, challenges of swab testing and self-isolation and the need to re-orientate dental services to increase prevention. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has exacerbated existing health inequalities within our communities. Different parts of the NHS must work together to ensure that all children have access to services to treat and improve oral health.