Omicron variant

D.C. is requiring vaccines to enter restaurants and gyms. In most of its suburbs, it’s a very different story.

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Which Masks Offer the Best Protection from the Omicron Variant?

John Brandon Cantrell — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 22:57:01 +0000

Which Masks Offer the Best Protection from the Omicron Variant? John Brandon C… Fri, 01/07/2022 - 17:57

In This Story

Infectious disease expert explains the differences between common types of face masks and how to wear them best to stay protected from COVID-19.

Amira Roess, professor in the Department of Global and Community, offers insight into practicing proper mask usage, such as identifying which masks are most effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and how long you should wear the masks before they are considered ineffective.

1. What type of face masks offers the best protection from COVID now that the omicron variant is dominant in the US?

A mask of three layers or more, a surgical mask, an N95, or a KN95 all offer good protection, provided that they fit well. That last part is what many people overlook. It is extremely important that the masks fit well. Gaps between the mask and the face may result in an opportunity for the virus to enter.

Two of the challenges that we have had throughout the pandemic is that many people did not wear their masks correctly or wore poor quality masks. The data have shown that the risk of infection decreases when wearing high-quality masks correctly and frequently. Masks are an important strategy in addition to vaccination, social distancing, testing, and isolating or quarantining as necessary.

2. What advice do you have for people who are shopping for face masks right now?

It is really important that individuals purchase masks that provide a good fit. We should also remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions and dispose of masks as instructed. Often masks are meant to be used for a certain number of hours and should be stored, following instructions, until either they have been used for the maximum hours or before that if they are soiled or worn out.

Many individuals report using disposable masks for longer than recommended by the manufacturer, and that leads to the masks being ineffective. Masks that end up being wet, dirty, torn, or that don't fit well should be disposed of properly. You can look for products that say they are ASTM level 1, 2, or 3 on the package. There is definitely a problem with counterfeit products, but if you look for this, you should be able to filter through and find good-quality masks. In general, ASTM level 1 masks are supposed to filter out at least 95% of particles of all sizes, and levels 2 and 3 are supposed to filter at least 98%. But remember that this is only the case if the mask fits you properly. Also, look for masks that have adjustable nose wires.

3. Are cloth face masks effective at preventing the spread of COVID?

A well-constructed cloth mask that fits well and is cleaned frequently can be effective. However, cloth masks are often problematic because their quality is highly variable and, in the case of children especially, they often do not provide an adequate fit. I've seen both adults and children wearing cloth masks that were a single layer, were clearly soiled, worn out, or that did not fit well. This is something that we really need to avoid especially as children are going back to school in large numbers at a time when the omicron variant is proving to be a significant threat. The Omicron variant is many times more transmissible than the Delta variant and we are concerned that there will be surges in cases as students go back to school. Vaccination is extremely important to help reduce infection and transmission and this goes hand in hand with wearing high-quality masks properly.

4. At the beginning of the pandemic, experts urged people to save N95 face masks for healthcare workers. Is this still the case?

At the beginning of the pandemic, our country faced a serious shortage of both N95s and medical grade surgical masks. At that time, the recommendation was that individuals should go ahead and make their own cloth masks or purchase some. There were detailed instructions available from the CDC and other organizations that specified how to make cloth masks at home, including the type of fabric to use and how to create multiple layers.

In practice, cloth masks are highly variable. They are often made with fabric that has a large weave which renders the mask ineffective at blocking out or filtering out virus. Currently, we have a better supply of disposable surgical masks, KN95s and N95s, and the need for a cloth alternative is no longer as strong. Individuals who really want to wear a cloth mask could wear one on top of a disposable mask in order to improve the fit of a disposable mask.

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Business Insider: Dr. Amira Roess comments on omicron, vaccination, and school-age children.

eander6 — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 15:07:35 +0000

Business Insider: Dr. Amira Roess comments on omicron, vaccination, and school-age children. eander6 Fri, 01/07/2022 - 10:07

In This Story

Schools across US bracing for impact as Omicron spreads and threatens to disrupt in-person learning.

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Fox 5 (Washington, D.C., video): Dr. Amira Roess comments on COVID-19 and the winter surge.

eander6 — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 14:55:28 +0000

Fox 5 (Washington, D.C., video): Dr. Amira Roess comments on COVID-19 and the winter surge. eander6 Fri, 01/07/2022 - 09:55

In This Story

COVID-19 surge due to omicron variant impacting testing sites, travel, NYE plans. Roess starts at the 1 minute and 26-second mark.

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COVID won't be on break. Patriots, get your booster

Melanie Balog — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 17:50:26 +0000

COVID won't be on break. Patriots, get your booster Melanie Balog Fri, 12/10/2021 - 12:50

Dear Patriots,

As our semester comes to a close and we finalize plans for winter break, we want to take a moment and encourage all Mason Patriots – whether near or far – to please continue to prioritize your health and safety. Here are a few departing reminders to help ensure that we close out this year happy and healthy!

Get a Booster!

The omicron variant is moving quickly, and the delta variant remains a threat, so we must be diligent during this holiday season. While experts are still determining if omicron poses an increased threat, health officials agree: getting vaccinated (to include boosters) is the best way to combat COVID. The CDC is recommending COVID booster shots for anyone who is eligible for a booster, which includes anyone over 18. In addition, the FDA on Thursday authorized Pfizer booster shots for all eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who completed their two-shot Pfizer series at least six months ago. Vaccines and boosters have proven to be effective in helping to reduce the spread of COVID and the severity of COVID illness. We strongly recommend boosters for all Mason Patriots who are eligible to receive one, and Mason is offering booster shots Monday-Friday for free. Appointments can be made at https://vaccine.gmu.edu and hours will be expanded to accommodate the end-of-semester demand.

Test Before Traveling

For those who are leaving campus, we recommend testing before and after holiday gatherings. Mason will continue to provide walk-in tests through December 17. Please take advantage of this service before you leave. International travelers need to check with their airline and get tested 24 hours before travel to the US. If you are unvaccinated, you must quarantine upon arrival and get tested 3-5 days after arrival. The CDC provides travel guidance at their website.

Mason will also offer limited walk-in surveillance testing on Monday, Dec. 20 and Monday, Dec. 27 from 9-noon at Fenwick A Wing on the Fairfax Campus. Surveillance testing will reopen at Fenwick only on Monday, January 3.

Stick with What Works

As many of us plan to gather with family and friends, it’s more important than ever to continue the practices that have kept our community safe. We know our plan works, let’s continue to work it. Let’s maintain our safety protocols throughout the holiday break:

Continue to use Mason COVID Health Check, as this is the provides our health experts the ability to understand the extent and impact of COVID on campus. We will streamline the Mason COVID Health Check in the new year. Look for more information soon.
Stay home if you feel unwell.
Wear masks when in large groups.
- Follow the CDC’s guidance for close contact situations. If you are notified that you are a close contact please:
  - Get a surveillance test 5-7 days after potential exposure if you are vaccinated and asymptomatic.
  - Quarantine for 14 days from date of exposure if you are unvaccinated and get tested 5-7 days after exposure.

Thank you ALL for helping to keep Mason safe and open. Your consistency and care for your fellow Patriots has contributed to a successful fall semester. Please continue to do your part by following these guidelines so that we can start 2022 healthy and strong. Enjoy your winter break!

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

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