After returning from winter break, it wasn’t difficult for anybody to notice the new change in masks. KN95 masks, made newly relevant by the Omicron variant, quickly replaced the common cloth and surgical masks spotted on campus. You might be rethinking whether your current mask is still adequate while Covid-19 cases surge.
As Omicron becomes one of the most contagious Covid-19 variants, the classic blue or black surgical masks no longer provide the same level of safety as before. Though appreciated for being disposable and easily accessible, surgical masks are around 10% less effective than N95 masks, according to a CNN article on the subject. This extra margin of safety can be crucial as Omicron infection rates continue to skyrocket.
As for cloth masks that were deemed sufficient during the pandemic’s low points, their 75% inward and outward leakage won’t be enough against Omicron. However, layering them over a regular surgical mask, as recommended by the CDC, offers extra protection. For those without access to high-quality masks, “doubling up” is the best course of action.
“I would recommend doubling up on whatever mask they prefer to wear,” states Mr. Piccininni, a health teacher at San Mateo High. “Everyone is different and needs to wear what works best for them, but they also need to have their safety and the safety of others in mind. If a medical-grade mask isn’t an option for you, find a good quality mask that does work for you.”
Our school district recently distributed N95 masks to all students and faculty. N95 masks are approved respirators and filter out 95% of particles in the air when fitted properly. They provide the “highest level of protection” against Covid-19 particles, according to the CDC.
The district “strongly encourages” both students and faculty to use these masks to prevent the spread of Omicron, as said in a recent email by Superintendent Kevin Skelly.
Many teachers wear the provided N95s, but the majority of students do not. Due to their tight fit and uncommon duckbill-like shape, many students have found them uncomfortable to wear. Some have found them more difficult to breathe with compared to the breezy surgical masks they are accustomed to wearing.
“I’ve noticed a lot of my friends and classmates have been wearing their own N95 or KN95 masks. The district-provided masks also don’t seem to be the most fashionable so some students may feel more inclined to wear their own surgical/cloth masks instead,” says Caroline Wei, a junior at San Mateo High and president of the Red Cross Club.
As such, KN95 respirators have emerged as a popular alternative among students. KN95s feel more “breathable” due to their looser-fitting straps, are more widely available than N95s, and are similarly effective against Covid-19. For students looking for the safety of an N95 but the convenience of easily taking their mask on and off, a KN95 could be just the right choice.
Regardless of what mask you wear, the Omicron variant has reminded all of us just how important Covid-19 safety precautions are. And until the end of the holiday surge, all students can really do is follow these precautions to the best of their ability. After all, any mask is better than none.