A Metro Transit bus driver wears an N95 protective mask and gloves while driving her bus near the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, Monday, January 25, 2021. (AP Photo / Damian Dovarganes)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED at 7:16 am PT – Thursday, January 28, 2021
The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently explained why the agency is not recommending the use of N95 masks to the general public amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview on Wednesday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky clarified that, while some medical experts have argued that they provide superior protection compared to other types of masks, the CDC believes that requiring their use can be counterproductive.
The public health official explained that she is concerned that people may be less inclined to maintain their masks if they are wearing an N95. Dr. Walensky noted how uncomfortable these types of masks can be and how they can make breathing difficult.
“They are hard to tolerate all day, every day, and in fact, when you really think about how well people will use them, I worry that if we suggest or require people to use N95, they will not use it them all the time, “she explained.” They are very difficult to breathe, they are very difficult to tolerate when you use them for long periods of time. “
DPA will also increase the production of N95 masks and personal protective equipment. Most Americans wear cloth masks, but other countries are making masks with filter masks (FFP) mandatory because they are more effective, especially due to the more contagious COVID strain. pic.twitter.com/ZiyMGbPgkO
– Cleavon MD (@Cleavon_MD) January 22, 2021
However, Dr. Walensky still recommends using multi-layered face masks to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.