University of Leicester developing a new face mask in fight against coronavirus

A new face mask which could determine if a person has coronavirus is to be trialled by University of Leicester.

Researchers will use face masks that can trap microbes that are released through breathing.

It is hoped that by using the adapted masks to screen for the illness, it could allow very large groups to be checked at once and help to curb the spread of the virus.

University of Leicester, Professor of Clinical Microbiology, Mike Barer said:

The adapted mask has previously been successfully used to screen patients for tuberculosis.

The trials will be conducted in partnership with the NHS and international partners to use the mask technology to test for influenza.

It will be a minimum of two to three months before researchers can sample possible coronavirus patients because they need to fully validate the new approach first.