Researchers hope to trial low-cost face masks that can detect whether someone has infectious coronavirus before they display any symptoms. Experts at the University of Leicester said if successful, the method could simplify large-scale screening for the virus and curb the spread of COVID-19. The sampling masks will be adapted using 3D printed strips and can trap exhaled microbes in a 30-minute period. If that trial validates the new approach, researchers will then move on to using the masks in trials with the new coronavirus. It is expected to take between two to three months to reach this stage. The university said if the sampling masks were manufactured on an "industrial scale" they could potentially cost "pennies". 

新型口罩检测新冠病毒

英国研究人员希望测试一种低成本的口罩，这种口罩可以在出现症状前检测出受测者是否感染了冠状病毒。莱斯特大学的专家表示，如果测试成功，这种方法可以简化对病毒的大规模检测，并抑制新冠病毒的传播。这种采样口罩上配有3D打印的条状物，可以在30分钟内捕获呼出的微生物。如果该试验证实了新方法的有效性，研究人员将继续针对新冠病毒患者测试这种口罩。预计需要两到三个月的时间才能达到这个阶段。该大学表示，如果这种口罩能进行工业规模生产，成本可能只有"几便士"。