Covid-19 can pass between people in MASKS standing up to three feet apart as study shows how coughing causes saliva droplets to penetrate the face shields

Coronavirus is able to pass between two people standing up to three feet apart even if one of them is wearing a surgical grade face mask, a new study warns.

Researchers from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus also found that masks became even less efficient when people repeatedly cough into them.

Scientists say the findings are ‘alarming’ – and underline the importance of keeping the 6ft distancing rule in place – even when masks are worn.