Experts Recommend Upgrading to Surgical Masks, Respirators Due to Omicron

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread, even amongst the vaccinated, experts say it’s time to exchange cloth masks for KN95 or N95 respirators, or disposable surgical masks, according to reports.

The typical cloth face mask may have upwards of 75% inward and outward leakage, according to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, an Ohio-based science non-profit. As illustrated by this document, research shows cloth masks will only protect someone from COVID-19 for 20 minutes, while an N95 can protect for up to 25 hours. 1/4/2022