COVID: CDC updated mask guide

By Katherine Dillinger and John Bonifield, CNN

(CNN) – US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its mask info to the American public on Friday, including clarifying that some masks and respirators offer more protection from the coronavirus than others and offering advice on what consumers should look for when shopping for them.

“Masks are an important public health tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and it’s important to remember that any mask is better than no mask,” the CDC said. said in a statement.

Updated guidelines recommend that Americans wear the only facemask or respirator they can find a good fit and that they will wear consistently.

“Some respirators and respirators provide a higher level of protection than others, and some may be more difficult to tolerate or wear consistently than others,” the new guidelines say. “The most important thing is to wear a mask or respirator that is well-equipped so that you are comfortable and well protected.”

The information was last updated in October. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky on Wednesday said the agency is planning to update the information to reflect the options available to everyone and the level of protection. protection that different types of masks provide.

“Light weave products provide the least protection, multi-layered fine textiles provide better protection, disposable surgical masks fit well, and the KN95 provides good protection. more and approved respirators (including National Institutes of Health and Safety N95s) provide the highest level of protection,” the CDC says.

The updated guidelines note that “high-protective facemasks or respirators may be most important for certain higher-risk situations or for some people at greater risk of severe illness.” This includes:

• When you are caring for someone with Covid-19
• When you’re on an airplane or public transport, especially for an extended period of time
• When you’re working at a job where you’re exposed to a lot of people, especially when not everyone else is wearing a mask.
• When you don’t update your Covid-19 vaccine
• If you have risk factors for severe illness such as a weakened immune system or a certain health condition
• When you are in a crowded public place, indoors or outdoors

Masks should still not be worn for children under 2 years of age, but the CDC “recommends universal indoor mask wearing for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of status.” their vaccinations or regional transmission rates”.

Updated guidelines provide tips for a better fit and more protection, such as:

• Wear two masks (one cloth mask on top of a disposable mask).
• Combine a cloth or disposable mask with a shirt or brace.
• Knot and tuck the ear flaps of the cloth mask where they meet the edge of the mask.
• Fold and tuck excess material over the disposable mask under the edges.
• Use the mask attached to the back of the head and neck with an elastic band or lanyard (instead of ear loops).

The CDC says consumers looking for masks that meet quality standards can look for certain labels like “meets ASTM F3502” or “meets workplace performance,” and they can access them. Visit the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s website for more information on personal protection Equipment

The agency also said some respirators do not meet international standards and there are links to websites for more details.

The CDC says “N95s specifically labeled “surgery”” should be intended for use by healthcare workers.

“These updates to our website reflect the science of masks, including what we’ve learned over the past two years,” the agency said in the statement. “We will continue to share mask science as it becomes available.”

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