The Omicron virus high infection rate is clearly evident in the large case load in North America and Europe. U.S. Centers for Disease Control emphasizes the need to go for the highest possible level of protection. To add pressure it warns a substantial number of commercially available face masks are substandard. This is a matter that requires our urgent investigation.
We Need to Start Wearing More Effective Face Masks
The most effective face masks are the ones that fit well, and we can wear consistently every day. Those recommended by National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) are U.S. industry standard. When we step out of their certification we are often in unregulated waters.
There is really no easy way of knowing whether other face masks and cloth coverings are much use at all. In fact, in the light of Omicron these may be little more than face decorations according to Dr. Leana Wen. She is an emergency physician, and visiting professor of health policy and management at Milken Institute School of Public Health in Washington DC.
How to Go For Highest Possible Level of Protection
NIOSH-approved KN95 and N95 masks may cost a few dollars each. However Dr. Wen confirms these have fibers acting as both mechanical and electrostatically-charged barriers according to CNN on January 15, 2022.
We shall describe this technology in a future post. However, the bottom line for now is those barriers are better able to prevent tiny particles getting into our noses and mouths.
CNN Health recommends we go for the highest possible level of protection by wearing N95 masks. These were generally unavailable for non-medical personnel early in the pandemic. But that was only because stocks were limited and their need was greatest. However, that situation has changed and they are not expensive when we compare benefits.
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