With COVID-19 mutations on the rise in Michigan, safety measures such as masking – even double-masking – and social distance have never been more important, health experts say.
This week, government officials said Michigan has at least 45 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 variant, known as B.1.1.7. Cases of this British coronavirus variant have been reported in 10 counties as well as the city of Detroit.
“While our numbers are still moving in the right direction, I am very concerned about what we are seeing with the new B.1.1.7 variants,” said dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical officer of the state, said at a press conference. on Tuesday. “We now know that 45 cases of different variants have been identified in Michigan in ten counties, and there will be more.”
How does this new variant differ? Health officials said they believe it is 50% more contagious than the current dominant strain of COVID-19.
Khaldun said the delay in the spread of the dominant virus strain as well as any variants depends on the preventative measures people are already taking: social distance, masking and hand hygiene.
N95 and KN95 masks are considered the best type of protection and are mostly worn by medical personnel, but can also be purchased online. Here are some top-selling masks. Many have free delivery, and some are offered with two days delivery.
N95 Masks
NIOSH-certified Makrite 9500-N95 preformed cone particle mask, M / L size (pack of 20 masks). Now $ 50.96 by Amazon
30 pieces of N95 face mask. $ 18.99 by Amazon
MAGID N95 respirator mask with metal nose clip and latex-free elastic headband, triple construction, foldable (M / L) – 10 respirators. Now $ 34.04 at Amazon.
N95 Respirator Masks M / L (10-pack). Now $ 17.97 online at Home Depot
N95 Valved Respirator (15-Pack). Now $ 33.97 online at Home Depot
Bielcor N95 and NIOSH approved face masks – particle respirator without valve (20-pack). Now $ 39.99 online at Sears.
Magnum N95 Respirator Face Mask – NIOSH Approved N95 Face Mask – Adjustable Headbands – Pack of 10. Now $ 21.95 Online at Sears
AnDum N95 face mask FFP2 respirator with earplugs – FDA EUA approved – 10 masks. Now $ 16.95 online at Sears.
Mark Graves / The OregonianMark Graves
KN95 Masks
White Mark KN95 Face Mask Mouth Cover Medical – US Ships – 10 pieces. Now $ 29.99 online at Sears
NJA KN95 Respirator Masks 5-layer protection (10 pack). Now $ 23.99 online at Sears
FDBV KN95 Face Masks Protective 5 Layers (50 Pcs) BFE 95% PM2.5 Disposable Mask. Now $ 19.99 online at Sears
25-pack KN95 face mask, included on FDA EUA list, filter efficiency ≥95%. Now $ 44.74 online at Amazon.
KN95 Face Mask 20pcs. Now $ 39 online at Amazon.
KN95 Disposable face mask, 30 pieces white 5-layer protective breathing cup. $ 39.99 online at Amazon.
KN95 Face Mask for 4 layers disposable (10-pack). Now $ 23.98 online at Home Depot
KN95 5-layer respirator mask (10-pack). Now $ 23.98 online at Home Depot
KN95 face mask with exhalation valve. Now $ 22.69 online at Home Depot
Double masking provides extra protection against drops in the air.
NEED PROCESSING OR DOUBLE MASKING FACILITIES?
Double Masking – putting one face mask over another – is getting a lot of buzz these days. If you do not have any N95 or K95 masks on hand, try a double mask with disposable surgical / paper masks, or a disposable mask worn over it with a cloth mask.
Why? Anthony Fauci, the leading American expert in infectious diseases, said in a recent interview that wearing two face masks simultaneously provides the wearer with extra protection against contracting the COVID-19 and its variants.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
Disposable masks
HoMedics 50-pack disposable masks, 3-layer elastic overflow filter mask. Now $ 14.99 online at Walmart
50 disposable multi-color face masks, 3-layer breathable dust protection masks, elastic overflow filter mask. Now $ 15.99 online at Walmart
Face masks 50 PCS Disposable 3-layer cotton fabric with elastic overlay. Now $ 6.95 online at Walmart
SfAVEreak Face Mask Disposable Blue (pack of 50). Now $ 6.79 online at Amazon
Modenna Face Mask Blue Disposable 50pcs. Now $ 9.99 at Amazon
Old Navy’s popular range of face mask for cloth now comes with built – in adjusters. (Photo courtesy of Old Navy)
Cloth face masks
** Special: Under Armor Sports Masks. Was $ 30 each. Now on sale for 2 for $ 40
Hanes Wickende cotton masks, 10 pcs. Was $ 25, now $ 19.50 online at Walmart
5 pieces reusable face mask Protects comfortable washable wrap masks Adjustable nose clip Unisex Floral Multi-diverse color (Floral / White / Black / Navy). Now $ 22.99 online at Walmart
Variety of 5-pack triple-layer canvas pleated face masks for adults (with overcoats). Now $ 12.50 online at Old Navy
Old Navy Active Face Masks Variety 3-Pack for Adults. Now $ 12.50 online at Old Navy
Washable reusable washable washable adjustable face cotton printed unisex adult plain for women, men – 6 PCS. Now $ 27.99 on Amazon