The most comprehensive analysis ever of studies into coronavirus infections has laid out several findings and recommendations for combating COVID-19. They include:

• Standing more than one meter away reduces transmission risk from 12.8 percent to 2.6 percent; at two meters it is 1.3 percent

• Use of masks or respirators reduces the infection risk from 17.4 percent to 3.1 percent

• N95 and other respirator masks offer far better protection (96 percent) than surgical masks (77 percent)

• Eye protection reduces risk from 16 percent to 5.5 percent

• Even the best combination is no guarantee, so people should continue to wash their hands

• Contact tracing for the potentially exposed should include anyone who has been within six feet (1.82 meters) of an infected person

The meta-analysis of 172 different studies into COVID-19, SARS and MERS was part-funded by the World Health Organization, carried out by an international team and published in The Lancet medical journal on Monday. 

N95 gives 96% protection

The findings seem to back up suggestions that N95 and other respirator masks should be widely available for front-line healthcare professionals.

"There is an urgent need for all care-givers in healthcare settings and non-healthcare settings to have equitable access to these simple personal protective measures, which means scaling up production and consideration about repurposing manufacturing," said the meta-study's scientific lead Derek Chu, of McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.

"However, although distancing, face masks, and eye protection were each highly protective, none made individuals totally impervious from infection and so, basic measures such as hand hygiene are also essential to curtail the current COVID-19 pandemic and future waves."

READ MORE: The 3D-printed masks helping Italy's hardest-hit hospitals

Halving the social distance?

The report could also open the way for governments to reduce physical distancing to one meter, less than the two meters currently recommended in many countries. While the report is hesitant to recommend a reduction – "Physical distancing of at least one meter is strongly associated with protection, but distances of up to two meters might be more effective" – it was quickly seen as a chance to ease restrictions. 

This might seem a small change but could have huge ramifications for various businesses – from bars and restaurants to shops and cinemas – devastated by the requirement for social distancing. In the UK, Conservative member of parliament Owen Paterson tweeted: "A one-meter rule could allow pubs, restaurants and other venues to open profitably."

Among other findings, the report stated: "Eye protection is typically underconsidered and can be effective in community settings." But added that: "No intervention, even when properly used, was associated with complete protection from infection. Other basic measures (eg, hand hygiene) are still needed in addition to physical distancing and use of face masks and eye protection."

Check out The Pandemic Playbook, CGTN Europe's major investigation into the lessons learnt from COVID-19