For Highly-Infectious Omicron, Use N-95 Masks, Say Experts

Covid-19 Omicron variant is spreading rapidly in India. With cases crossing 1000 mark in the country, very few are following Covid-19 norms including wearing a face mask incorrectly. As Omicron can spread much faster than previous COVID-19 variants, mask-wearing is more important right now. But the quality of a mask also matters a lot.

Amid the surge, experts stress that we all should swap cloth masks for N95 respirators or 3-ply surgical masks.

COVID-19 is airborne, and a simple cloth mask is not going to help you. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), N95 respirators can filter up to 95 per cent of air droplets and particles. Usually, these masks are worn by health care workers and first responders.

According to the media reports, the health experts are also suggesting N95 for those who have a history of allergies, asthma, bronchitis, or any other respiratory problem.

With their ability to fit tightly and filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, the masks provide better protection than both cloth versions and those ubiquitous blue surgical coverings.