How Effective Are Cloth Masks Against Omicron Variant?

Omicron cases are increasing worldwide. Countries are preparing for any future damages or threats that the variant may cause. Restrictions on travel and gatherings are being imposed to control the spread of the virus. While preventive measures are under process, the need of masks and sanitisers has again emerged. The question that is stirring debates these days is the effectiveness of cloth masks against Omicron variant.

During the first and second waves of Covid-19, people fearlessly used colourful and designer cloth masks. These masks became a style statement with matching masks with dresses. While they proved safe at that time, we cannot say the same for this year as well. The new variant Omicron is speculated to spread faster than all the previous variants and cloth masks may or may not be enough for protection against it.

What Is The Debate On Cloth Masks Against Omicron Variant?

Professor of primary health care services, Trish Greenhalgh, at the University Of Oxford says that the use of mask can be really good or really terrible. Although some level of protection can be provided by double or triple layered masks but that is not guaranteed and that cloth masks are just "fashion accessories".

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The main issue with these cloth masks is that they don't meet health standards. On the other hand, when we look at N-95 respirator masks, they are made by keeping certain health criteria in mind and they have to meet certain standards like, being able to filter 95% of the particles, says Greenhalgh. It is not only the material that matters, but it is important that the masks covers the nose and mouth properly and easily breathable. All these standards cannot be achieved by home-made cloth masks as per Greenhalgh.

The new variant Omicron is speculated to spread faster than all the previous variants and cloth masks may or may not be enough for protection against it.

Countries have started taking precautionary measures against Omicron variant. The wearing of masks had been made compulsory in public places like shops and public transport. There have been advisories on what type of face coverings to be used by public. In Canada, people have been asked to use tight and fitted masks instead of single layered ones. "The issue here is if you have a single-layer, the ability to filtrate is absolutely minimal and doesn't make a difference whatsoever,", this is what was stated in an interview with CTV news by Peter Juni, the head of the Ontario's Science Advisory Table.