Experts Recommend Better Masks to Battle New Coronavirus Variant
You may have heard of the new coronavirus variant titled the B.1.1.7 strain that's making the rounds.
Medical professionals from coast-to-coast are trying to get the word out that the mask you're currently wearing may not be as effective in fighting this new variant. I've checked four different reputable websites to determine what the medical experts are saying about protecting yourself against this new strain.
Here's what I found. A recent in-depth study at Virginia Tech evaluated 11 face coverings. Researchers recommended people wear a three-layer mask that should be well-fitted without any gaps between the fabric and face. Researchers stated, "overall efficiency would be greater than 90%."
According to an article on the WebMD website, Dr. Abraar Karan, an internal medicine doctor at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, stated that the N95 mask is the best of the best. Still, the problem is they are in short supply to the general public.
The medical professionals' consensus is that single-layer cloth masks are not as effective as surgical masks, which offer 3-ply protection. I just ordered a box of the Missism Medical Grade Disposable 4 layer face masks for Mindy and me through Amazon.com.
Dr. Karan feels strongly that the N95 mask should be made available to the general public but at the same time admits they're practical for the public. The N95 masks are specially fitted for health care workers, and they're not very comfortable for long periods of time, not to mention the cost.