With COVID-19 mutations on the rise in Michigan, safeguards like masking – even double masking – and social detachment have never been more important, health experts say.
This week, state officials said Michigan has at least 45 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 variant known as B.1.1.7. Cases of this variant of the UK coronavirus have been reported in 10 counties, as well as in the city of Detroit.
“While our numbers continue to trend in the right direction, I am very concerned about what we are seeing with the new B.1.1.7 variants,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s medical director, at a news conference on Tuesday. “We now know about 45 cases of the variants (were) identified in Michigan in 10 counties, and there will be more.”
How is this new variant different? Health officials said they believed it was 50% more contagious than the current dominant strain of COVID-19.
Khaldun said that slowing the spread of the dominant virus strain, as well as any variants, depends on the preventive measures people are already taking: social detachment, masking and hand hygiene.
The N95 and KN95 masks are considered the last type of protection and are used more often by medical teams, although they can also be purchased online. Here are some best-selling masks. Many come with free shipping and some are offered with delivery in two days.
Masks N95
Respiratory mask of preformed conical particles with NIOSH Makrite 9500-N95 certification, size M / L (pack of 20 masks). Now $ 50.96 on Amazon
Face mask 30pcs N95. $ 18.99 on Amazon
Respiratory masks MAGID N95 with metal nose clip and latex free elastic band, triple layer construction, foldable (M / L) – 10 respirators. Now for $ 34.04 on Amazon.
Respiratory masks N95 M / L (pack of 10). Now $ 17.97 online at Home Depot
N95 tube respirator (pack of 15). Now $ 33.97 online at Home Depot
Bielcor N95 and NIOSH approved face masks – Particle respirators without valve (pack of 20). Now $ 39.99 online at Sears.
Magnum N95 respirator face mask – NIOSH approved N95 face mask – adjustable headbands – pack of 10. Now $ 21.95 online at Sears
AnDum N95 Face Mask FFP2 respirator with handles – FDA USA approved – 10 masks. Now $ 16.95 online at Sears.
Mark Graves / The OregonianMark Graves
KN95 Masks
White Mark KN95 Mouth Cover Medical Face Mask – Ships From USA – Pack 10 Now $ 29.99 online at Sears
Respiratory masks NJA KN95 5-layer protection (pack of 10). Now $ 23.99 online at Sears
FDBV KN95 Protective face masks 5 layers (50 units) BFE disposable respirator 95% PM2.5. Now $ 19.99 online at Sears
25 Pack KN95 Face Mask, Included in the US FDA List, Filter Efficiency≥95%. Now $ 44.74 online at Amazon.
KN95 face mask 20 units. Now $ 39 online at Amazon.
KN95 Disposable Face Mask, 30 Pack White 5-Ply Protection Cup breathable. $ 39.99 online at Amazon.
KN95 Disposable 4-layer face mask (pack of 10). Now $ 23.98 online at Home Depot
Respiratory mask of 5 layers KN95 (pack of 10). Now $ 23.98 online at Home Depot
KN95 face mask with expiratory valve. Now $ 22.69 online at Home Depot
The double mask offers extra protection against airborne virus droplets.
NEED DISPOSABLE OR DOUBLE MASK SUPPLIES?
The double mask – superimposing one type of facial mask over the other – is gaining a lot of attention today. If you do not have an N95 or K95 mask on hand, try the double mask with disposable surgical / paper masks or a disposable mask worn with a cloth mask over it.
Why? Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United States’ leading infectious disease specialist, said in a recent interview that wearing two masks at the same time most likely offers the user extra protection against contracting COVID-19 and its variants.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
Disposable Masks
HoMedics 50 pack disposable face masks, 3-layer elastic filter mask for ear. Now $ 14.99 online at Walmart
50 multi-colored disposable face masks, 3-layer breathable dust masks, elastic ear filter mask. Now $ 15.99 online at Walmart
Face masks Disposable cotton fabric with 3 layers of 50 PCS with elastic ear loop. Now $ 6.95 online at Walmart
Disposable Blue SfAVEreak Face Mask (Pack of 50). Now $ 6.79 online at Amazon
Modenna Blue face mask 50 disposable units. Now $ 9.99 on Amazon
Old Navy’s popular line of fabric masks now comes with built-in ear adjusters. (Photo courtesy of Old Navy)
Cloth masks
** Special: Sports Mask Under Armor. It cost $ 30 each. Now on sale for 2 for $ 40
Hanes Wicking cotton masks, 10 units. It used to cost $ 25, now it costs $ 19.50 online at Walmart
5-Piece Reusable Face Mask Protects Washable Cover Masks Adjustable Nose Clip Wire Unisex Floral Multi Color Assorted (Floral / White / Black / Navy). Now $ 22.99 online at Walmart
Variety 5 packs of pleated facial layers of triple layer fabric for adults (with ear adjusters). Now $ 12.50 online at Old Navy
Old Navy Active Face Masks Variety 3-pack for adults. Now $ 12.50 online at Old Navy
Washable reusable cloth – adjustable cotton printed unisex plain adult face for women, men – 6 PCS. Now $ 27.99 on Amazon