Covid-19 cases are on a surge across the world, especially because of the Omicron variant. Governments have imposed travelling restrictions and other important advisory's and guidelines on people for public health. Omicron threat is increasing in every country, which has made most people stay at home once again. It is important to follow Covid appropriate behaviour everywhere. The rules include wearing N95 masks, washing hands frequently, sanitizing and maintaing social distance.
Masks play a major role in protecting you from Coronavirus. However, during the pandemic, people started wearing fashionable masks with different colours and designs. Most manufacturers and consumers defeated the primary purpose of these coverings. Recently, experts have suggested that these single cloth trendy masks should be avoided as they are of no use against the Omicron variant. Read further to know more about what the experts have said.
Trish Greenhalgh, professor of primary health care services at the University of Oxford, said, "They (cloth masks) can be really good or really terrible depending on what fabric is used." He also said that double or triple-layer masks made up of a mix of materials can be more effective and most cloth masks are just "fashion accessories". Greenhalgh said the main problem with those trendy cloth masks is that they don't have to reach upto any specific health standards. "In contrast, those manufacturing N95 respirator masks, for example, have to make sure they filter out 95% of particles," he was quoted saying.
Also read: How Effective Are Masks In Preventing COVID infection? All FAQS Answered
Good filtration is not at all helpful if the mask is not covering your nose and mouth properly. Moreover, you need to be able to breathe easily even through the mask, Greenhalgh said. Environment and expense conscious consumers used to go for cloth masks as they can be washed at home, but there are reusable masks that meet filtration requirements available now. In an interview, Peter Juni, head of Ontario's Science Advisory Table, said, "The issue here is if you have a single-layer, the ability to filtrate is absolutely minimal and doesn't make a difference whatsoever." Earlier this month, Britain brought back the rule of compulsory mask wearing on public transport, shops and in a few indoor places as well, which was relaxed in summers.
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