‘Double masks to fight Omicron’

Experts say it can be effective way to prevent exposure to new variant

Hyderabad: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and its ability to be highly transmissible than the Delta variant has raised a lot of doubts among people over the efficacy of masks and their ability to provide protection. While such fears are well-founded, the fact also remains that multiple health care agencies including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Centres for Disease Control (CDC), US and World Health Organisation (WHO) have recommended wearing masks, regardless of whether people are vaccinated or not.

This is the right time for all to upgrade from the single-layer cloth masks or surgical masks and instead go for a double layer mask or embrace N95 masks, which could offer even more protection, public health officials said.
Masks are not variant-specific and if worn well, then they can provide protection to individuals by filtering-out virus particles from the air that people breathe.

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Despite the threat of Omicron, the CDC has recommended wearing masks in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.

“People should wear masks at all times. We are recommending individuals to wear proper masks even indoors, which will protect the elderly. They should wear masks properly, which means their nose and mouth should be covered all the time,” Director of Public Health (DPH) Dr G Srinivasa Rao said.

Good-fitting N95 masks are usually the gold standard when it comes to avoiding getting infected. There are studies that have indicated that when high-risk groups like immune-compromised individuals wear N95 masks, then the infection risk is about 1 in 1,000 when compare to a normal surgical mask, which has an infection risk of 10 in 1000 individuals.

For individuals who want to avoid purchasing expensive N95 masks, the best alternative is a two-layered double mask, which could also be an effective way to prevent exposure. The best combination of double masking is to wear a normal cloth mask over a good-fitting surgical mask.

Also read: 

Omicron may push Covid to turn endemic

Eight FAQs on Omicron variant of Covid-19 answered

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