As the Omicron variant spreads, experts in the United States advise citizens to use N95 masks instead of cloth masks. Given, the US has recently recorded the highest addition of COVID-19 cases, reaching 1.4 million cases per day dominated by the Omicron variant.
“Omicron is a highly contagious virus, perhaps the most infectious pathogen on earth,” said Lawrence Gostin, professor of global health law at Georgetown University and director of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Center for Global Health Law. /2022).
He emphasized that cloth masks almost did not protect a person from the Omicron virus. Therefore, people need to stop using cloth masks and replace them with more effective face masks.
“Fabric masks barely protect a person themselves from the Omicron virus. Against Delta alone, cloth masks are only about 20 to 30 percent effective, if that. Of course, with Omicron, the effectiveness is negligible,” said Prof Gostin.
“(Fabric masks) are virtually useless against these kinds of airborne aerosol pathogens. Even regular surgical masks are not as effective as they used to be,” he continued.
The best type of mask
According to experts, the best types of masks to fight the Omicron variant are N95, KN95, and KF94. The reason is, the masks are made of synthetic materials in layers and effectively filter about 95 percent of particles in the air. As a result, if used correctly, these masks provide very high protection from exposure to the Omicron variant.
Infectious disease doctor at Boston Medical Center, Sabrina Assoumou, insists the use of surgical masks must fit the face.
Because surgical masks only have one size, often the slits on the sides reduce the effectiveness of the mask. This can be overcome by tying the mask rope knot, making sure there is no gap for air to enter.
“The first is filtration, and the second is fit,” he explained regarding the type of good quality masks.
Is it effective to double masks?
Cloth masks can be used as long as they are doubled with a surgical mask. In fact, according to Assoumou, the double use of masks is effective in preventing exposure to the Omicron variant for a certain period of time.
“I would say to anyone still using cloth masks, please seriously consider upgrading your masks to at least a suitable medical grade surgical mask.”
Watch Videos “Types of Masks to Pay Attention to To Avoid Omicron“
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