Report: CDC considers changing mask recommendations to N95 or KN95
COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)
The omicron variant-powered coronavirus surge has led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to rethink which masks it recommends, according to a new report.
The Washington Post reported this week that the CDC is considering updating its mask guidance to recommend that people opt for the highly protective N95 or KN95 masks worn by health care personnel. The Post cited a source close to the discussion who says the medical-grade masks provide better protection against the more transmissible omicron variant, which is leading to record new cases and hospitalizations around the country.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, a surgical mask cloth mask filters out about 39% of particles. The CDC website, says N95 masks are approved by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and are said to filter up to at least 95% of airborne particles.
The Post reported that CDC Director Rochelle Walensky has previously declined to officially endorse Americans wearing N95s regularly, rather than a typical fabric mask. She previously said the K95 or N95 masks give extra protection but are not as comfortable.
According to Smartairfilter.com, both KN95 and N95 types filter 95 percent of particles but the main difference between both masks is the N95 is the American Standard and the KN95 is the Chinese Standard.
The CDC's guidance for masks initially said not to wear masks that are specially labeled “surgical” or N95 respirators, as those should be prioritized for health care personnel. The agency has continued to recommend a mask that has two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric, completely covers the nose and mouth, fits snugly against the sides of the face and doesn’t have gaps.
Kristi Campbell, Director of Cole County Health Department said they use the N95 in the health field and people should be professionally fit tested before purchasing one.
"We wear the N95s and we have to be fit tested for those because not all masks fit everyone face shape and you have to be fit tested by a licensed professional," said Campbell
Campbell said the fitting process is not quick and checks are done before the mask is approved.
"We are in a specific hood atmosphere and they aerosolize different scents to see if you can smell them and if you can smell or taste them while you have the mask on then its obviously not working because your getting penetration on the side of your face and you might need to try a different kind that would fit your face," said Campbell.
Mobile Health, a Columbia Company located at 202 E Nifong Blvd offers fit testing for $75 dollars a person.
Some people may decide to purchase their masks online, however Michelle Gleba, Mid- Missouri Regional Director for the Better Business Bureau said if you are purchasing masks online be careful because they have received numerous reports from buyers that encountered scam websites promised face masks that they never delivered.
If you want to test how effective your mask is, light a candle and try to blow it out while wearing your mask. That will let you know if the air is getting out.
Health experts worry that cloth masks can't contain the omicron variant, which spreads more easily and has caused case numbers to skyrocket as it establishes dominance around the U.S. Missouri and Boone County have set numerous records for new cases and hospitalizations over the past two weeks as the variant spreads around the state.
The U.S. smashed a global record for new daily cases on Monday. However, some evidence indicates sickness caused by omicron isn't as severe.
The conversation over types of masks came up Tuesday in a meeting of the University of Missouri Board of Curators to consider a temporary mask mandate on campus. UM System President Mun Choi told curators that the university is saving N95s for health care workers, citing an ongoing shortage of those masks.
