In “The Origin of Disease: The War Within”, we suggested people avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, to avoid self-inoculation of pathogens. Pathogens rarely penetrate intact skin; but can be transmitted by touching the eyes, nose and mouth—the “T-zone”. Hand washing is very important, but the best safety measure to avoid acute infections of many types, including those that can evolve into chronic infections, is a combination of frequent hand washing and breaking the habit of touching the face.
Masks worn during an outbreak of infection may be ineffective at preventing infection—but do constantly remind the person of the need to avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth; thus, may prevent infection by preventing self-inoculation.
Stop Touching Your Face!
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/well/live/coronavirus-spread-transmission-face-touching-hands.html?referringSource=articleShare
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