Face mask and social distancing-Sr.1-May 18

Why is setting social distancing guidelines matter? 

Why should facial masks be required or recommended to prevent from spreading the novel virus?

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University carried out an experiment that shows how far droplets from a cough travel and stay in the air. 

Surprisingly, the artificially caused droplets hit 3 feet (90 cm) almost immediately, traveled 6 feet (1.8m), the recommended social distance guidelines, in 5 seconds, and reached 9 feet (2.7m) in 10 seconds. 

Also, in another 30 seconds, the droplets reached 12 feet (3.6 m) even though they became much less dense. 

Indeed, droplets not only travel farther but also remain in the air longer than you can imagine.