N95, KN95 masks more effective than cloth masks for delta variant

N95 and KN95 masks are being recommended by experts as coronavirus cases are increasing globally due to the spread of delta variant.

Former Food and Drug Administrator director Dr. Scott Gottlieb said the delta the delta COVID variant is not more airborne and is not likely to be more permeable to a mask but the type of mask is important, reported Alabama.

“If you’re going to consider wearing a mask, the quality of the mask does matter,” Gottlieb said. “So if you can get your hands on a KN95 mask or an N95 mask, that’s going to afford you a lot more protection.

“There’s plenty of N95 masks in the system. There are also KN95 masks available. So I would encourage people to look at the quality of the mask and try to get their hands on a better quality of masks,” he added.

In the beginning of the pandemic, disposable paper and cloth masks were advised to use as higher quality masks were needed by health officials.

KN95 are similar to N95 and provide equal levels of protection but are regulated by the Chinese government.

More than 93% COVID-19 cases in U.S. are due to the delta variant and the surge in cases and hospitalizations has led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recommend even vaccinated people to wear masks.

CDC has issued recommendations for people to wear masks in areas with high number of cases and in buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation and while indoors at transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

(With inputs from Alabama Media Group)

Picture Credits: Alabama Media Group