The Bay Area’s worst coronavirus outbreak has finally begun to ease, but in its aftermath the pandemic risks are higher than before.
And as the region begins to reopen, experts say it’s time to double down on security measures – which could include upgrading or even doubling your mask for maximum protection.
Such measures, they say, are important because case levels remain high, the vaccine explosion in California has been rocky and the number of new variants is appearing in the state and across the state. One from the UK is more contagious and could become the dominant strain by March. One found in the Bay Area and being studied, and others from Brazil and South Africa, could possibly evade antibodies created by the new coronavirus vaccines or even re-infect humans a second time, experts say.
“We are in an urgent period of transmission because … we are in our third and worst outbreak of the pandemic, and our effects of vaccines are not fast enough yet,” said Monica Gandhi, a specialist in infectious diseases. at UCSF, said. “This is an incredibly important time to do everything in our power to stop the transfer.”
Experts are appealing to the public to increase the known safety measures of social distance, hand washing and masks. With more virus transmission everywhere and the new variants potentially leading to higher infection rates, vigilance is more important than ever before.
In particular, experts offer new recommendations if your masking is not good.
Several European countries, including Germany and Austria, are now demanding that everyone wear surgical or N95 masks. Some Asian countries send high quality masks to their inhabitants.
Gandhi is collaborating with Linsey Marr, an expert in airborne virus transmission and a professor of civil engineering at Virginia Tech, on a scientific article on the importance of and science behind face masks. They offer advice on what types of face masks offer the best protection.
What is the best face mask out there?
Gandhi said N95 masks are the gold standard but it is still a challenge for the general population to get them because they are smaller, they need to be tested and can be uncomfortable because they are so cozy.
Can I get close to an N95 mask? What about cloth and surgical masks?
The article by Gandhi and Marr cites a study conducted by Marr and some graduate students that tested the effectiveness of ten different masks. Based on the findings, they recommend a high-quality surgical mask or cloth mask with at least two layers with a high thread count for basic protection.
Who should be double-masked?
During an appearance this week on NBC’s “Today Show”, the American top expert on infectious diseases, dr. Anthony Fauci, said wearing two masks “just has common sense that it will probably be more effective” to prevent drops from getting through.
But Gandhi said she did not think it was necessary for everyone to wear two masks all the time, and that ‘the purchase of masks in this country is still unequal and complicated’. Instead, her recommendations focus on certain individuals and situations:
• Medically vulnerable and elderly people.
• Persons working in busy indoor conditions, such as meat processing plants and restaurant kitchens.
• Those who are in indoor environments, with others who are not in their household, in an area with high transmission. Most of California is currently in a high transmission period, including the Bay Area.
Looking at the trio of masking, distancing and ventilation, one can diminish the other, Gandhi said. So if you wear a single mask but are outside, it compensates the mask. If you are inside and have a double mask, it is a lack of ventilation.
But if you’m particularly worried, she said, do what makes you feel most comfortable,
“Anyone who is more concerned about the virus, it’s a great thing to do,” she said.
How can I get the best protection?
According to the study cited by Gandhi, those concerned have several options for maximum protection:
A dust mask over a surgical mask that works like a filter. Surgical masks tend to fit looser than other masks, so it will fit better and provide protection.
A three-layer, tightly woven cloth mask with a filter bag. Vacuum or HEPA filters can be used, and many businesses now sell affordable, pre-cut filter inserts for masks.
The study found that, if the masks fit well, ‘these combinations should deliver an overall efficiency of> 90% for particles of 1 mm and larger, which corresponds to the size of respiratory aerosols which we believe are most important for the transfer of COVID-19, ”According to the article.
According to the CDC, studies have shown that multi-layer cloth masks can block 50 to 70% of the large and fine droplets. Masks with multiple layers of densely woven cloth perform better than single-layer masks, which filter almost 50% fine particles. According to studies, surgical masks are 60 to 70% effective in protecting others and 50% effective in protecting the wearer.
Gandhi emphasized that users should pair a surgical mask with a cloth mask, because a surgical mask electrostatically blocks viruses, while a cloth mask physically blocks them, and to use layers, they use two different mechanisms. The same goes for the filters and the cloth mask. And if you are looking for surgical masks, make sure they are made of polypropylene.
Is layering more than two masks even better?
It is not necessary to go overboard. Gandhi has laid more than two masks as a zero, and the more you accumulate, the harder it is to breathe.
What about KN95 masks?
Other N95 versions are offered, including the KN95 from China and the KF94 from South Korea. Gandhi said they are exactly the same as N95 masks, but do not fit as tightly, so people who want more protection should put a cloth mask over them.
Kellie Hwang is a staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected]