Omicron is rapidly spreading than the other variants of coronavirus. It is an easily transmissible variant and is known as a variant of concern. Every individual is worried and is following the protocols set by the government to protect themselves. One of the SOPs is to wear masks and protect the nose and mouth.
Why Wearing A Cloth Mask Won’t Make A Difference With Omicron?
Where people assume wearing a mask is better than no mask; it is important for an individual to be aware that all masks are not created equal. Not all masks ensure highly efficient protection. Wearing cloth masks has become very common among people. But little do they know; it does not prevent from viruses entering the nose and mouth. Cloth masks hardly help in protecting against omicron.
Since omicron is different in terms of its spreading rate from other variants of coronavirus, doctors, and health experts are suggesting changing the masks. Cloth masks help in filtering the large droplets. It doesn’t help in filtering the smaller particles.
They also help in preventing the exhale of particles but they don’t ensure prevention in the inhales of particles. Hence, it is advised to not use cloth masks as they make no difference with omicron. It is rapidly spreading and cloth masks won’t stand a chance to protect an individual from catching it.
Health experts advise using a surgical mask. Such as three-ply masks (a cloth mask can be worn on top of one of these masks.) Three-ply masks are also affordable for everyone. As the name says, three-ply masks are three-layered masks that help in breathing clean air. These masks are non-woven and are designed to be hydrophobic.
The inner layer of the three-ply mask is moisture-proof and the outer layer is a non-woven fabric. These kinds of layered masks offer a higher bacterial filtration efficiency. Being wise enough while choosing to wear a certain type of mask is important. If it doesn’t ensure protection then such kinds of masks aren’t worth wearing.
There are N95 and some of the K95 masks which ensure greater protection too. They are five-layered masks, they help in the filtering of at least 95% of the bacteria. N95 masks are used especially by medical professionals and frontline workers for their obvious five-layered protection.
Two years ago, retailers weren’t preferring to sell these masks to nonmedical personnel but now things have changed. N95 masks are made easily available but are expensive compared to other ones. A cloth mask that can be worn over N95 and some of KN95 for a better fit. It is known as double masking. The better the fit of the mask, the better the seal.
Omicron being highly transmissible from the other variants of COVID-19, an individual must ensure their safety. Making sure to wear a high-quality mask rather than just any mask is important. Though cloth masks have thick fabric they still don’t ensure safety. Upgrading the mask option is of high importance for an individual’s safety. Just a cloth mask will hardly make any difference.
