Why you should change your mask as the omicron variant spreads Why you should change your mask as the omicron variant spreads

The arrival of ómicron has meant a significant change in the current health measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In Spain, the mask is once again mandatory outdoors.

Dr. Leana Wen has analyzed the current situation regarding masks in statements to CNN: "Cloth masks are little more than facial decorations. There is no room for them with omicron"

"We need to wear at least a three-layer surgical mask," she said. This is recommended for use for no more than four hours. "You can wear a cloth mask on top of that, but don't just wear a cloth mask."

She clarifies that in places where there are large numbers of people, "a KN95 or N95 mask should be worn" correctly adjusted to both the nose and mouth.

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The expert considers that it is essential that the population understand the relevance of masks through explanations about how the virus spreads. "It seems that the main driver of infection is shared air," she states.

Cloth masks cannot filter small droplets, causing 75% leaks, something that is achieved with N95s, if they are correctly adjusted.

In the case of the surgical ones, they are between 5% and 10% less effective than the N95, as well as less durable. "We need to promote better, high-quality masks everywhere, because right now a single-layer cloth mask is not enough against omicron," said Dr. Jerome Adams.

With ómicron there has been a great increase in infections throughout the world, although it is still "unknown". Therefore, the use of effective masks is essential.

“If less virus is needed, or if a person who is infected is expelling more virus, then the role of a mask can reduce the amount that you are actually breathing, you will buy more time, “says the doctor. "If you needed 1,000 viral particles to infect you and you're using something that reduces 50% of them, it's going to take twice as long to get to those 1,000. If you're using one that's 90% efficient, it's going to take at least 10 times as long before that you get infected when you're around someone (who's infected)."

Dr. Jerome Adams has advised that the population make sure that they are quality masks. "There are a lot of knockoffs that aren't certified on the KN95 side of things, that may meet the standards but aren't certified to meet it. And there are others that clearly don't," he says.