Pirate's Cove

And what happens if, probably when, the CDC recommends this? All the states, cities, and companies with mask mandates will then require people to do this, and we’ll have more mask trash in the streets and waters

U.S. CDC may recommend better masks against Omicron – Washington Post

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering updating its mask guidance because of an increase in the number of Omicron-related coronavirus cases, the Washington Post reported on Monday.

The agency will likely advise people opt for the highly protective N95 or KN95 masks worn by healthcare personnel, if they can do so consistently, the newspaper reported, citing an official close to the deliberations.

The CDC guidance is expected to say that if people can “tolerate wearing a KN95 or N95 mask all day, you should,” the report said.

So, what if you can’t? What if it really bothers you? What if it gives you headaches? I put on a simple cloth mask I keep in my car for running into places that require them, but, at work, or for long periods, I wear an Under Armor mask. They’re $25, but, well worth it for comfort. The others rub the back of my ears and give me headaches (anyone who wears glasses knows about how sensitive the back of ears are). Anyhow, looks like that WP story is not paywalled

The updated guidance is expected to say that the best mask is the one that is worn consistently and correctly. N95 masks, which were predominantly used in health-care and industrial settings before the pandemic, are supposed to be individually fitted and are sometimes hard to wear all day, physicians and other health-care personnel have said. The CDC guidance is expected to say that if people can “tolerate wearing a KN95 or N95 mask all day, you should.”

So, they’re difficult to wear? Huh.

N95 masks are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and are designed to filter up to 95 percent of particles, according to the CDC. KN95s are supposed to meet a comparable Chinese standard, but there is no Chinese regulatory agency ensuring that, said Anne Miller, executive director of Project N95, a nonprofit organization that distributes free N95s and children’s masks in the United States.

We care about Chinese standards why, exactly? They released this virus.

In Milwaukee, the health department over the weekend started handing out a half-million free N95 masks at testing and vaccination sites and public libraries, according to news reports. In Connecticut, the state announced it would distribute 6 million free N95s. In suburban Maryland, Montgomery County Public Schools is providing KN95 masks to teachers, staff and students.

How soon till mandatory? Anyhow, you can apparently reuse one, but, consider

N95 respirator – When removing the mask, hold the edge of the straps attached to take of the N95 mask. Don’t touch the inside part of the respirator. Wash hands before and after it. Gently remove the mask so as not to disseminate contaminants on the mask. Place the mask in a plastic bag or zip-lock bag. You can also store them in a breathable container such as a paper bag between uses. Secure the bag tightly. Place the plastic bag into garbage can or biomedical waste disposal unit. Never put on a new mask until you have properly washed your hands.

The thing is, most people are going to be touching it all day with their hands. They’re going to be taking it off (the funny one is when people take it off to speak closely to people) all day long. So, basically, it won’t help.