An N95 Is the Best Mask for Omicron. Here's Why
As health officials scramble to minimize spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant, many experts have recommended that people switch from cloth or surgical masks to more-protective N95 and KN95 masks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) current mask guidance does not recommend one type of mask over another, instead specifying that people should wear a mask that fits snugly and covers the nose and mouth. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said that fundamental guidance won’t change—despite recent reports to the contrary—but told reporters that the agency will soon publish more information about the differences between masks. At the same time, the federal government is trying to make medical-grade respirators more accessible to the general public. On Jan. 13, President Joe Biden said his administration will soon provide the public with free N95 masks, though he has not yet provided details. After living with COVID-19 for almost two years, many people r...