ORLANDO, Fla. — A new face mask developed overseas could have huge implications for people in the United States.

What You Need To Know

  • Sonovia Tech says its mask technology is highly effective in preventing spread of COVID-19

  • Right now, masks largely protect people around the wearer from the spread of COVID

  • Sonovia says fabric is coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles

Sonovia Tech, an Israeli company, says its masks are highly effective in preventing infection from the coronavirus.

For months, you’ve heard that wearing a mask means you’re protecting those around you, but Sonovia Tech says their new mask means when you wear it, you’re also protecting yourself.

“There is an active protection," said CTO Liat Goldhammer Steinberg. "The fabric actually is capable of killing bacteria at a very high frequency, and also neutralizing viruses at a very high level.”

Goldhammer Steinberg explained how it works.

The fabric of the mask is coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles, which help break apart the molecules found in SARS-COV2, which causes COVID-19.

She says the mask is not only trapping your own particles, it’s killing outside bacteria, and neutralizing outside viruses.

Winter Park nurse anesthetist and health advocacy YouTuber Sandy Grant, who is the chair for JNF-USA Doctors for Israel in Orlando, was immediately impressed.

“In the testing, they cut down on the microbial load including SARS-COV2, so COVID-19, by 99% in under 30 minutes," Grant said. "And I haven’t seen another high-tech mask that works that quickly.”

She says what also struck her is the lightweight, breathable feeling of it.

She thinks all of the pros added together could sway even those who are most stubbornly against wearing masks.

 “I think it would help with the buy-in to wear masks if people felt that they had some protection for themselves for wearing it," Grant said.

Grant hopes what spreads quicker than the virus is the idea that this fabric could be applied to many other facets of life, to ratchet up safety.

“I think the goal is really to look at not only masks, but the upholstery in cars, the upholstery in Ubers, think of public transportation," Grant said.

According to Sonovia’s website, these masks have an effective rating higher than 98% at filtering 5-micron particles, which follows World Health Organization guidelines.​