Who are the KN95 masks recommended for during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Can I wear a KN95 respirator to protect myself from COVID-19?
Which kind of mask should I wear during COVID-19?
In many circumstances, cloth masks or medical procedure masks work well for community use.
Examples might include:
● Talking with neighbors when you are outdoors and are at least six feet away
● Going to a park, as long as you are able to stay at least six feet away from people who do not live with you
For situations when you are in close contact with people who do not live with you, a mask option that provides a higher level of protection (improved fit and/or improved filtration) should be considered.
These situations might include
● Going to the grocery store
● Visiting the doctor
● Working at a job where you are exposed to people who do not live with you and you are not always able to maintain at least six feet of distance from others
What are the pros and cons of KN95 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Pros: Filter up to 95% of particles in the air (when they meet the right requirements and are not counterfeit/fake, and when proper fit can be achieved).
Cons: Can be uncomfortable; often requires more effort to breath; may be more expensive and difficult to obtain; designed for one-time use; many counterfeit (fake) KN95 masks are commercially available, and sometimes it is hard to tell if they meet the right requirements just by looking at them. At least 60% of the KN95 masks evaluated by NIOSH did not meet the requirements that they claim to meet.
Additional Considerations: It may be hard to achieve a proper fit with certain types of facial hair.
Does a surgical mask help avoid COVID-19?
How to sanitize N95 Masks for reuse COVID-19?
Why are masks important during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Masks are a critical step to help prevent people from getting and spreading COVID-19. A cloth mask offers some protection to you as well as protecting those around you.
Wear a mask and take every day preventive actions in public settings and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere you will be around other people. CDC recommends that people age 2 and older should wear masks in public.