- A number of European countries are beginning to make medical-grade face masks mandatory in the hope that they can slow the spread of the new variant of coronavirus.
- The French government has now mandated that citizens wear single-use surgical FFP1 masks.
- It is of more protective FFP2 filtering facepiece respirators or fabric masks which meet the same “Category 1” specifications — blocking more than 90% of particles.
- In layman’s terms, homemade masks will no longer cut it.
A recent news article published in the CNN reveals how European countries take steps to ensure that people wear medical-grade masks to counter the spread of covid 19.
German government decides on masks
It follows a decision by the German government on Tuesday requiring all people to wear either FFP1 or FFP2 masks while on public transport, in workplaces and in shops.
The move came after the German state of Bavaria introduced an even more stringent measure.
It is enforcing surgical grade N95 respirators, which filter 95% of air particles, in stores and on public transport.
Fabric vs. surgical masks
Unlike fabric and surgical masks, which protect other people from larger respiratory droplets emitted when speaking, coughing or sneezing.
In other words, outflowing air — FFP masks protect the wearer by filtering both the outflow and inflow of air.
They can also provide some level of protection against smaller droplets, or aerosols. When fitted correctly, FFP2 masks can filter at least 94% of particles.
“We are not questioning the masks used up to now … but as we don’t have any new weapons against the new strains, the only thing we can do is to improve the weapons we already have,” Daniel Camus, a member of the council, told France’s public broadcaster.
What does research say?
A study published in the Lancet medical journal in June
- N95s and other respirator-type masks might give greater protection from viral transmission than surgical or multi-layered cotton masks.
Another study released in August by Duke University
- The most effective was the fitted N95, followed by three-layer surgical masks.
- Neck fleeces, folded bandanas and knitted masks did not offer much protection, and in the case of the neck fleeces, also called gaiter masks.
- Actually increased the transmission of respiratory droplets.
What does WHO recommend?
Still, current guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) states that medical or surgical masks should only be worn by healthcare workers, people with Covid-19 symptoms, those coming into contact with them, anyone aged 60 or over, as well as people with underlying medical conditions.
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Source : CNN
