Some face coverings are not as effective as others say Oxford University

Wearing a face mask is set to become compulsory on July 24 to help battle the coronavirus pandemic.

A study has shown that homemade masks made with the right material can help stop the spread of Covid-19 for the wearer and those around them.

But the report by Oxford University’s Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science has shown that some coverings are not as effective as others.

Scientists investigated the effectiveness of different face mask types and coverings, including an international comparison of policies and behavioural factors underlying usage - reports the Manchester Evening News.

Professor Melinda Mills, director of the Leverhulme Centre and author of the study, said: “The general public does not need to wear surgical masks or respirators.

“We find that masks made from high quality material such as high-grade cotton, multiple layers and particularly hybrid constructions are effective.

“For instance, combining cotton and silk or flannel provide over 95 percent filtration, so wearing a mask can protect others.”

The study, published last week by the British Academy and the Royal Society as part of Royal Society’s SET-C (Science in Emergencies Tasking – COVID-19) group, also found that wearing a cotton mask protects the mask wearer as well - combining all research on cloth masks in a new meta-analysis.

Professor Mills said: “Attention must also be placed on how well it fits on the face, it should loop around the ears or around the back of the neck for better coverage."

But the study shows that some coverings are not as effective as others. Loosely woven fabrics, such as scarves have been shown to be the least effective.

While it is already compulsory for passengers to wear a covering on public transport in England, shoppers will have to do so from July 24.

Anyone failing to comply with the order could face a fine up to £100.

The move follows a weekend of confusion over whether ministers intended to make face coverings compulsory after Boris Johnson said they were looking at “stricter” rules.

The senior Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said on Sunday he did not believe they should be mandatory and that it was better to “trust people’s common sense”.

Professor Mills added: "The evidence is clear that people should wear masks to reduce virus transmission and protect themselves, with most countries recommending the public to wear them.”