What masks work best against Omicron? Experts are divided, but most say ditch cloth masks
Global News
The renewed debate on mask use comes as Canada's Omicron-driven fifth wave continues to drive daily case counts to record numbers not seen in months.
Canadians are being urged to ditch certain types of masks in favour of ones experts say will provide more protection against the new, rapidly spreading Omicron variant.
The head of Ontario’s Science Advisory Table, Dr. Peter Juni, said Friday that single-layer cloth face masks may not be enough to protect against Omicron.
“The issue here is if you have a single-layer, the ability to filtrate is absolutely minimal and doesn’t make a difference whatsoever,” said Juni, who pointed to the use of KN95 respirators as a more effective option.
The renewed discussion about mask use comes as Canada’s Omicron-driven fifth wave continues to drive daily case counts to record numbers not seen in months, pushing provinces to enact a slew of public health measures and restrictions.
Juni’s recommendation to ditch single-layer cloth face masks comes amid a call by some public health experts to re-examine masking guidelines, and more actively encourage the use of respirators and medical masks over cloth ones.
Colin Furness, an epidemiologist at the University of Toronto, said public health authorities need to more strongly encourage the use of KN95 respirators in indoor public settings.
Furness told the Canadian Press any campaign to push for their use should include resources to help Canadians find respirators that fit best.
“That’s public education we desperately need,” said Furness. “The fact that people are on their own for this is a travesty.”
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