- The Omicron variant first surfaced in late November of this year in South Africa, but it has since spread rapidly throughout the world, including Malaysia. Since then, Malaysia has recorded 64 cases of the Omicron variant. While preliminary research suggests that this strain has milder symptoms and a lower likelihood of hospitalisation than Delta, it is 4.2 times more infectious, making it just as dangerous. According to experts, improving face mask fit and filtration is important to reducing the spread of the highly virulent Omicron strain. Poor fit may compromise a mask’s ability to filter out harmful particles such as virus particles. There are many different types of face masks on the market, but which one provides the most protection in the age of the COVID-19 outbreak? While wearing any mask is preferable to not wearing one, we must go above and beyond to strengthen our defences against the COVID-19 virus.
COMPARISONS BETWEEN FACE MASKS
Cloth masks are becoming more popular because they are more comfortable and visually attractive; however, can they provide effective protection against the Omicron variant? Even when Alpha and Delta variants first appeared, health professionals do not recommend wearing fabric masks; instead, disposable masks such as surgical masks, KN95, KF94, and N95 masks are the best options.
N95 FACE MASK
- Filter out 95 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns
- Fluid resistant to large droplets and has a higher filtering efficacy in blocking smaller particulate materials
- Used by healthcare workers in the high-risk environment
- Tight-fitting
KF94 MASK
- Filter out 94 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns in size
- Fluid resistant to large droplets and higher filtration efficacy to block smaller particulate matters
- Anyone in the low-to-moderate risk environment can use it
- Customisable fitting
SURGICAL MASK
- The primary function is to shield others from the wearer’s breathing droplets.
- Filter out 60 percent of smaller particles
- Anyone in the low-to-moderate risk environment can use it
- Loose-fitting
CLOTH MASK
- Provides some barrier protection against large respiratory droplets emitted by others
- Filter out 10 – 30 percent of small particles
- Loose-fitting
Based on these comparisons above, N95 provides the best protection for filtering small particles. However, authorities reserve the N95 masks for healthcare workers handling COVID-19 patients daily in high-risk environments. The ideal face mask to use in low-to-moderate risk situations is KF94 (Korean Filter) mask. Avoid wearing fabric masks since they will not give enough protection from the Omicron variant.Enviro Group Asia will release its KF95 masks, one of the best face masks on the market, as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting Malaysians. KF95 masks are individually packaged to keep them hygienic and clean until you’re ready to use them. Our KF95 masks have the following characteristics:- 5-ply layers, providing greater protection
- Well-fitted mask
- 99% VFE filtration efficiency against the virus
- Filtering up to PM0.1
- Light and comfortable
- Premium soft and thin materials to minimise skin irritations and allergies.
- Best in class protection
- Fluid resistant
Khairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Health of Malaysia, has cautioned Malaysians that an Omicron wave, similar to those detected in other nations worldwide, could happen in Malaysia. The government has advised us to receive our booster shots, apply the TRIIS (test, report, isolate, inform, and seek) measures if we have symptoms, and always wear masks while going outside. The fight against the COVID-19 virus is far from being over; we must always be careful and take extra precautions to ensure our safety and those around us.
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