Scientists have developed a face mask that can detect breathing viruses including coronavirus, swine flu and influenza.
If detected, the high-tech face covering notifies wearers through a mobile phone app just ten minutes after its sensor comes into contact with air-borne pathogens.
Early spotting means wearers can take action to stop the spread of infection, according to a study in scientific journal Matter.
As reported by the Mirror, lead author Dr Yin Fang, of Shanghai Tongji University, said: “Previous research has shown face mask wearing can reduce the risk of spreading and contracting the disease.
“We wanted to create a mask that can detect the presence of virus in the air and alert the wearer. Our mask would work really well in spaces with poor ventilation, such as lifts or enclosed rooms, where the risk of getting infected is high.
“In the future, if a new respiratory virus emerges, we can easily update the sensor’s design for detecting the novel pathogens.”
Researchers in China tested the product by spraying a liquid containing virus bacteria onto the mask while in an enclosed chamber.
Findings showed, the sensor responded to just 0.3 microlitres of the liquid and was able to spot Covid-19, swine flu and bird flu, which is is between 70 and 560 times less than the amount of liquid produced by one sneeze.
It is hoped if the masks were rolled out they would connect to a wearer's smartphone and alert them of the potential danger and therefore reduce the risk of infection and spread.
The team now want to make the mask detect diseases even faster and create wearable devices that can help people manage other illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
Last week, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus exclaimed the world has "never been in a better position to end the pandemic".
"We are not there yet," he said. "But the end is in sight."
In the UK more than 206,000 died due to Covid and there has been more than 23.6 million cases recorded since the outbreak began.
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