With the circulation of more transmissible strains of COVID, experts have expressed themselves about which masks provide the best protection against the virus. During much of the pandemic, people resigned themselves to wearing flimsy fabric masks or simple home-made face coverings, but professionals became increasingly outspoken about the need for mask upgrades across the country. In response to these warnings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are drafting significantly stricter mask guidelines. Keep reading to find out what the guidelines involve and for the masks to be avoided, this type of mask is “unacceptable”, warns the Mayo Clinic.
CNN obtained an outline of what would be the first national standard for evaluating consumer masks. The proposed guidance, which has not yet been finalized, would divide the masks into two layers. The review process is still ongoing, so the guidelines may change after further analysis.
By CNN, the document classifies the masks in two levels of quality. To be considered a level one mask, the product would have to filter out 20 percent of the particles, which would make the mask breathable, but would provide limited protection. To be considered a level two mask, which is preferable, the mask would require “high performance” filtration of at least 50 percent of the particles. The level two mask would be less breathable, but would provide much more complete protection. And for more guidance on the mask, if you have this mask, buy a new one now, experts say.
These changes occur after many experts signal that the mask standards need to be updated. Ashish Jha, MD, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, urged the US to enhance the quality of the masks. During a January 8 interview with NBC, he discussed how to limit the spread of new strains and emphasized the use of better masks. “High quality Masks are really important, “noted Jha.” We didn’t do much to make high quality masks – that’s something we still need to work on. “
Scott Gottlieb, MD, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), also asked for more efficient masks in light of the new variants during an interview on January 17 on CBS. “The quality of the masks really matters now,” said Gottlieb. “If you use a higher quality mask with this new infection, it will be very important.” And for the most up-to-date information, subscribe to our daily newsletter.
The current guidance on masks is somewhat inconsistent. According to CNN, only medical-grade masks, such as N95 masks and respirators must adhere to the standards. These types of masks must be regulated in terms of adjustment and filtering efficiency, among other things. The proposed standards will be more comprehensive, as well as more specific in relation to the fit, design and performance of a mask. And the guidelines will also detail the testing requirements that the masks must pass.
CNN reported that the project has requirements for single-use, reusable masks. Notably, standards prohibit openings, valves or any accessories that allow airflow to bypass filtration, with few exceptions. And to avoid more facial coverage, the CDC warns against using these 6 facial masks.
Although these standards are stricter than the current guidance, they are still far below what other countries have in place. CNN reports that Germany, Austria and France require masks with a minimum filtering efficiency of 80 to 90 percent in public areas. These new overseas mandates came true after local health officials expressed concern about the quality of the mask they were seeing.
French Minister of Health Olivier Veran went to France Inter radio on January 19 to discuss which masks were sufficient and which were not. “Craftsman masks that you make at home, with the best intentions in the world, respecting official advice, do not necessarily offer all the necessary guarantees, “said Veran. The Minister of Health made it clear that people should opt for more efficient masks.” All masks that have a filtering power greater than 90 percent are valid – which includes almost all surgical masks for the general public, “he added. And for more ways to protect yourself, doing this with your mask can keep you it even safer than COVID, experts say.