Officially, it has been a year since the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released guidelines on two of the United States’ main Covid-19 mitigation measures: face masks and vaccines . After nearly 12 months of wearing face masks, scientists and researchers have learned substantially more about what qualities to look for in a mask that makes it more effective, as well as what to avoid – we even have a manufacturing standard by which facial mask brands can certify the its effectiveness. Masks aside, as more than 2 million people are being vaccinated every day in the United States, the CDC has published recommendations on what to do and what not to do in socializing for people who are fully vaccinated.
Recent guidelines on masks and vaccines surfaced when states like Texas, Mississippi, Iowa and Montana suspended their masking mandates. Public spaces such as restaurants, gyms and schools are also reopening across the country, some with limited capacity and others allowing free pre-pandemic levels. Even so, medical experts recommend that people practice safety measures to arm themselves against the coronavirus, including double masking and investing in respirators such as KN95s, as well as maintaining physical distance, washing their hands frequently and applying hand sanitizer regularly.
To simplify the CDC news, we have shared what we should know about the latest face mask guidelines and recommendations for fully vaccinated people, all simply put in one place.
We have also included a list of products that you may want to have on hand at this time of the pandemic, including favorite shopping reader masks, air purifiers and more.
CDC face mask orientation
Although face mask orders vary by state, they are now required on airplanes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation that travel to, within or outside the U.S., as well as at transportation centers such as airports, bus stations and stations by train. In general, the CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, at events and meetings, and wherever they are around other people.
In February, ASTM International, a voluntary standards-setting organization, launched a Standard Specification for Facial Barrier Coverings, which helps to establish specific requirements for mask design and performance. Brands and manufacturers can take their masks to a laboratory to be tested according to the ASTM standard. If a mask passes the tests, it can be labeled with the ASTM standard, which signals buyers that it meets high levels of effectiveness.
The HALOLIFE brand face masks are some of the only on the market that currently meet the ASTM standard. To help you evaluate masks while shopping, CDC has created a list of facial mask features to look for, suggesting masks …
- To have two or more layers washable and breathable fabric
- Completely cover your nose and mouth
- Well-adjusted against the side of the face, under the chin and nose, without leaving spaces
- Equip one adjustable nose wire to prevent air from leaking
Avoid wearing masks that …
- They are made of fabric that makes it hard to breathelike vinyl
- Equip exhalation valves or openings
- They are aimed at health professionals, such as N95 Respirators
As for the gaiters, the CDC says that they can be used as an adequate facial covering as long as they have two layers or folded to form two layers. Face shields, however, cannot be used alone – they can be used in combination with a mask. In addition, scarves, ski masks and balaclavas can be worn over the masks, but they cannot serve as a single cover for the face.
CDC guidance for fully vaccinated people
The CDC released its first set of recommendations for people who were fully vaccinated on March 8, including guidelines on how to see others and guidelines for isolation, quarantine and testing. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of a series of two-dose vaccines, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine.
Fully vaccinated people involved in social activities in public settings such as gyms, offices, restaurants and shops should take proper care. Regardless of your vaccination status, you should wear a face mask, keep at least 6 feet of physical distance from other people, avoid crowds and avoid poorly ventilated spaces. The CDC also discourages unnecessary travel, as well as medium and large meetings.
Vaccinated people can, however, socialize with other vaccinated people in private settings such as homes, as well as with unvaccinated people who are at low risk for severe Covid-19. The CDC states that the level of precautions taken should be determined by the characteristics of the unvaccinated people, since they are unprotected against the coronavirus – in other words, determine the necessary security measures based on the least secure person in the room.
According to the CDC’s guidance, “internal visits between fully vaccinated people who do not wear masks or who are physically distant from each other are likely to be at low risk.” Fully vaccinated people and unvaccinated people with low risk of severe Covid they can also spend time together “without anyone wearing masks”, and the same goes for unvaccinated people from one single family, all with low risk of severe Covid.
However, during interactions between fully vaccinated people and anyone at risk for severe COVID-19, everyone should “take precautions, including wearing a tight-fitting mask, staying at least 6 feet away from other people, and visiting outdoors or in a well-ventilated space, ”according to the CDC. The same precautions should be taken if one or more members of a single family are at risk of severe Covid. multiple families at the same time, everyone should take precautions. “If people who are not vaccinated come from multiple families,” notes the CDC, “there is a greater risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between them.”
What to keep on hand during the pandemic
Unlike the beginning of the pandemic, when it was difficult to find facial masks and hand sanitizers, retailers now offer a variety of different options, allowing you to stock up. Here are some products you may want to keep at home to protect against coronavirus – we filter them down to the most purchased products we cover based on recommendations from CDC and medical experts.
Most purchased KN95 mask: WWDOLL KN95 face mask
These KN95 masks are Amazon’s bestsellers and come from a manufacturer listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s list of imported and unapproved NIOSH approved respirators made in China. The masks come in packs of 25. They are designed with five layers of fabric and feature elastic ear loops, as well as an adjustable nasal bridge. The masks come in Black and Pink, as well as White and Multicolored, although currently sold out.
Most purchased disposable mask: PM Performotor Disposable Face Masks
Sold in packs of 50, these disposable face masks are designed with three layers of non-woven fiber fabric to filter out small particles while providing breathability. They have an adjustable nasal bridge and are available in eight colors: Black, White, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Yellow and Silver.
Most purchased reusable mask: Maxboost fabric facial mask
The Maxboost fabric facial mask comes in two sizes: Unisize Medium / Large and Extra Large. The mask is made of two layers of fabric and has a curved 3D design with central stitching, which creates a space between the mask and the mouth to facilitate speech. It is also built with an adjustable nasal bridge and adjustable ear clips. The masks come in packs of three.
Most purchased exercise mask: Under Armor UA SportsMask
The Under Armor face mask is designed with three layers of fabric, including an inner layer made with the brand’s Iso-Chill fabric, which is refreshing against the skin. The mask has an adjustable nasal bridge, as well as a strip of fabric at the top that eliminates the gaps between the skin and the mask. It comes in five sizes – Extra Small / Small, Small / Medium, Medium / Large, Large / Extra Large and Extra Large / Extra Extra Large – as well as three colors: Black / Charcoal, Slate Purple / Arctic Pink and Red / Chrome Silver .
Most purchased facial protection: Muryobao safety facial protection
This facial protection offers protection over the entire length of the face, and its wraparound design also offers protection on the sides of the face. It has a foam strip that rests on the forehead, as well as an adjustable elastic band to better fit your face. Face protection is also treated with anti-fog and anti-static coating to improve visibility through the transparent plastic barrier.
Most purchased air purifier: Germ Guardian True HEPA Air Purifier
The Germ Gaurdian air purifier captures up to 99.7 percent of dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. The air purifier has a true HEPA filter that captures dust mites, pollen and pet hair, as well as a pre-filter and charcoal filter to absorb odors and retain large particles of dust and pet hair. The air purifier is also built with UV-C light that helps to kill airborne viruses. It can clean the air in rooms up to 153 square feet and has three speed settings to choose from.
Most purchased hand sanitizer: Germ-X hand sanitizer
When soap and water are not available, the CDC recommends the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60 percent ethyl alcohol. The Germ-X hand sanitizer contains 62% ethyl alcohol and also contains vitamin E to moisturize your hands. The brand says it kills 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria in about 15 seconds. Hand sanitizer is sold in a variety of sizes, including larger 32-ounce containers or 3-ounce containers for travel.
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