Do masks prevent the spread of the coronavirus outbreak?

Following the coronavirus outbreak, over 80 million masks were sold on Taobao. However, masks alone are not highly effective against airborne viruses, as explained by Dr. Carrington. They lack filters and do not protect the eyes but can prevent the spread of droplets from coughs and sneezes. The CDC advises combining mask use with other measures like covering your mouth when coughing, frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, not sharing potentially infected items, and monitoring symptoms to effectively prevent virus transmission.

How do surgical masks provide protection against viral transmission?

What is the recommended duration for washing hands to prevent infection?