Shawdesh Desk:

Face masks can help keep the coronavirus from spreading within households — but only if they go on before symptoms appear, according to a study.

Masks were 79% effective at halting spread of the virus if at least one person in the home started wearing a face covering before anyone got sick, according to a survey of 124 families in Beijing published in BMJ Global Health.

Using disinfectant every day, opening the windows and staying at least one meter apart were also linked with lower infection risk.

Families with members at high risk for transmission, such as medical workers, might consider wearing masks too, they said.