What you need to know about Omicron and the new recommendations to double mask.
From Construction Safety Nova Scotia —
The Threat of Omicron:
The new variant of Covid-19 is called Omicron and is extremely transmissible. The majority of covid-19 cases in Nova Scotia right now are confirmed to be of this variant. Due to the surge of Omicron, public health has had to increase restrictions and has advised new ways to protect against the variant such as wearing two masks.
Double Masking, Why?
Double masking is achieved by wearing a cloth mask over a medical-grade mask. The medical-grade mask has good filtration qualities, while the cloth mask allows for a closer fit to the wearer’s face.
The improved filtration and fit could reduce the receiver’s exposure to an aerosol containing COVID-19 as well as the chance of the wearer spreading COVID-19 through aerosols.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7007e1.htm
How to Properly Fit Medical Grade Masks
To ensure you are protecting yourself and others a much as possible, make sure you are wearing your masks correctly. Make sure you are knotting the ear loops of a medical-grade mask at the point they attach to the mask’s edges and tucking in and flattening the extra material close to the face.
The improved fit could reduce the receiver’s exposure to an aerosol containing COVID-19 as well as the chance of the wearer spreading COVID-19 through aerosols.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7007e1.htm
N95s and KN95s
Epidemiologists and Infection Control Specialists are recommending the use of N95s and KN95s for everyone. Production increases have allowed for the public to take advantage of the increased protection afforded by these respirators while not diminishing supplies in healthcare/medical settings.
Please remember fit tests are required for occupational use but not for everyday, off-the-job use.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-new-brunswick-airborne-ventilation-1.6290679
Guidance from the Province
For full guidance from the Province on picking a mask, please visit: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/masks/#choosing