Due to COVID-19, face masks have been a part of our lives for nearly two years. And, with the highly transmissible Omicron variant circulating widely, masks are just as important as ever.
When do you need to wear a mask?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommend that everyone who is 2 years old and up wear a face mask in public indoor settings to protect themselves — and others — from the spread of COVID-19.
That's especially true if you're in an area of the country with high or substantial COVID-19 transmission right now - Indiana fits this definition.
And if you're immunocompromised, you should continue to take as many precautions as you can (including masking) even if you're fully vaccinated, the CDC advises.
What type of mask should you wear?
When selecting a face mask, you should opt for one that has at least two layers of fabric, the CDC recommends.
The fit is also crucial: Your mask should completely cover both your nose and mouth and it should fit your face snugly so that there aren't any gaps around your face. Choosing a mask that has an adjustable nose wire can help with that, the CDC says.
Considering just how contagious the omicron variant appears to be, some experts are advising the public to upgrade their cloth masks to surgical masks, KN95s or N95s. While N95 and KN95 masks are the most effective option, they tend to be more expensive and aren't always easy to find — especially in kids' sizes.
If you don't have access to KN95s or N95s, you can make your cloth masks more effective with double-masking by wearing a cloth mask over the surgical mask. Or, if your cloth mask has a pocket inside, you can put a filter in the pocket to add an extra layer of protection.
Watch out for fraudulent masks and be sure to get your masks from reputable sources. Both the CDC and FDA keep lists of authorized mask manufacturers, and those are great places to start looking.
Mask up and stay safe!
