Epidemiologist Saskia Popescu says the community spread of omicron is “more infectious” and “spreads more efficiently and effectively between people” than other variants. That’s why mask fit and filtration is more important than ever, she says.
Some cloth masks provide a great fit — which means you’re touching and adjusting it less, she says. You can still wear those cloth masks, but Popescu says to double it up with a surgical mask or add in an extra filter.
Consider eye protection if you’re in a crowded setting and bilateral masking — when you and those around you are masked — isn’t happening. Primary transmission still happens through the nose and mouth, she notes, but since COVID-19 is a respiratory pathogen, eyes can be a “point of vulnerability” in certain situations.
For example, she says experts encourage health care workers to wear eye protection when they tend to unmasked patients. “But if you're around people who are also masked,” she says, “I'm less concerned about eye protection.”
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