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That's already recommended practice.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/d...

> One strategy to mitigate the contact transfer of pathogens from the FFR to the wearer during reuse is to issue five respirators to each healthcare worker who may care for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The healthcare worker will wear one respirator each day and store it in a breathable paper bag at the end of each shift. The order of FFR use should be repeated with a minimum of five days between each FFR use.

Disinfecting is required when supply is so constrained that issuing five respirators to every worker plus replacements isn't possible. You can disinfect a mask in minutes and get it back on the floor. Also, letting a mask sit will get rid of most viruses, including COVID-19, but it won't get rid of other pathogens (e.g. bacteria).




Oh, good. This is the first time I've seen this. I'm glad this is considered a possible method. Seems like one and done for so many masks is so wasteful if not absolutely necessary.


How long does bacteria last?!


Essentially indefinitely if conditions are right. If it starts making spores, it can stay ready-to-infect for like a few thousand years.




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