A Metro Transit bus driver is wearing a N95 face mask and gloves while driving his bus near Staples downtown Los Angeles on Monday, January 25, 2021. (Photo AP / Damian Dovarganes)
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UPDATED 7:16 AM PT – Thursday, January 28, 2021
The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently explained why the agency does not recommend the general public to wear N95 masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview on Wednesday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky clarified that while some medical experts have argued that it offers superior protection compared to other types of masks, the CDC believes the need for their use could be counterproductive.
The public health official explained that she is worried that people may be less inclined to keep their masks if they wear an N95. Dr. Walensky noted how uncomfortable these types of masks can be and how hard they can make breathing.
“I’m hard to tolerate all day, every day, and in fact, when you really think about how well people will wear them, I’m worried that if we suggest or ask people to wear N95, they won’t wear them all time, “she explained.” They are very hard to breathe, they are very hard to tolerate when you wear them for long periods of time. “
DPA will also increase the production of N95 masks and personal protective equipment. Most Americans wear cloth masks, but other countries make b / c filter masks (FFP) mandatory, they are more effective, especially given the more contagious COVID strain. pic.twitter.com/ZiyMGbPgkO
– Cleavon MD (@Cleavon_MD) January 22, 2021
However, Dr. Walensky still recommends wearing multi-layered face masks to alleviate the further spread of coronavirus.