Remedial Mask Training is Indicated

The Mexican government has distributed more than six million masks, according to President Felipe Calderon, but are they actually effective or just a feel-good measure?

The cloth patches in green, blue and white are everywhere, clamped tight over the mouth and nose of teachers, toddlers, policemen and drunks. Even the statue at the church of St. Jude, patron of lost causes, has been fitted with a light-blue surgical mask to ward off swine flu.

But do they work?

After looking at a few news photos, I believe I can answer that question: they work better if you cover your nose as well as your mouth.