Pictures of individuals walking around wearing medical-style face masks have fed a black market for them, but the abrupt popularity has not aided the public health in the COVID-19 pandemic.
When it comes to N95 masks, they work by stopping 95% of particles three microns or bigger. The coronavirus particle is 1-2 microns in size. Both the Canadian and U.S. public health authorities do not recommend these masks for general use. The standard disposable masks can stop most droplets coming out from the mouth, but not the virus particles coming in.
If a person is sick, it is not effective. When the mask is worn out in the public, it is not going to provide protection in any way. Additionally, people often fiddle with it where they end up contaminating themselves, thus increasing the risk.
The healthcare staff uses N95 respirators with eye protection, face visors, and gowns when caring for individuals who have tested positive for the coronavirus. The N95 respirators are a more tight-fitting mask than the disposable ones that are widely seen on streets.
N95 masks are vital in the health care system. It is important to ensure that masks and respirators are available for our health care providers so that they stay safe. When a person is sick, a mask can help. It can help keep his/her droplets in to prevent infecting others.
B.C. has enough supplies of protective gear and more on order for individuals who are working in health facilities as the demand for medical care climbs.
The authorities have warned that the province will “crackdown” hard on those who are attempting to purchase and resell masks, disinfectants, and other protective gear. The emergency authority of B.C. will be utilized as necessary to protect public health. For now, there is no space for profiteering in a time of crisis.
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Learn how to stay safe by enrolling in a mask fitting test which is a requirement for many workplaces and school admissions or check out our available masks for sale by visiting our face mask sale page.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200504-coronavirus-what-is-the-best-kind-of-face-mask
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-coverings-information.pdf