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Masks have become a fact of life in recent years, but last week the government brought in tighter regulations around how we cover our faces in public, and particularly for workers in industries with vaccine mandates in place.
The new regulations that apply under the Covid-19 red traffic light setting came into force last Thursday, February 3. They require ASTM (or IIR) medical/surgical Level 2 masks (or a respirator) for vaccine-mandated workers, who include staff at cafés and gyms that require vaccine passes, police, border workers and teachers.
Scarves and bandannas are no longer acceptable in busy places like cafés and gyms.
So, what is a medical grade mask and what do they provide that fabric masks don’t?
Mask types
Disposable masks come in two main types – medical/surgical (the white or white and blue ones, called ASTM or IIR) and respirators (KN95, N95 and P2).
The sizes are standard, but child-sized masks may soon become available too.
Some people are wearing masks with air valves (above). These let the air out, but not in, so while they are good for the wearer, they do not protect others and are not recommended.
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) latest recommendations say that disposable medical masks should be worn by people who are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19, including those aged 60 plus or people of any age with underlying health conditions. Also for anyone who is feeling unwell or is awaiting Covid-19 test results.
The WHO says other types of well-fitting non-medical masks, including homemade multi-layered cloth masks, are acceptable when other options are not available.
Masks can be purchased at pharmacies, online or at supermarkets.
KN95 masks are available from pharmacies but currently in short supply.
The N95 and P2 are similar in appearance to the KN95, but both have headbands instead of ear loops.
There may be limited availability of N95 and P2 masks.
These are the ones that government has mandated for workers in public facing roles. They are disposable but can be washed and re-used up to 10 times (see box). Must be close fitting and Level 2.
Needs three layers and ideally has a nosepiece and a pocket where a filter can be placed. The filters are disposable. These masks are not to be used by those who work in public-facing roles. To get a snug fit it is possible to wear a surgical mask underneath a fabric mask to stop any gaps.
Special thanks to pharmacist (and Hibiscus Matters Health columnist) Tania Adams for advice and modelling the masks.
Mind the gap
Whatever type of mask you choose, a snug fit is essential. That’s because masks aim to prevent your breath being transmitted to others, and theirs to you. Many people can be seen wearing masks down below their noses, which does nothing to protect the wearer, or others. If a particular type of mask doesn’t work for your face size, find one that does. The KN95 has loops around the ears, not around the back of the head. To improve the fit, the straps can be adjusted so they go around the back of the head – pull the ties right back and clip. Tighten the metal nose clip and see if you can feel air escaping with a “huff” breath out. If you can feel air getting out, or your glasses are fogging up, your mask is not snug enough and therefore is not working.
Washing disposable masks
Disposable masks are becoming a significant source of waste. But they can be reused. • ASTM Level 2 surgical masks can be washed in warm water, with no detergent. Dry thoroughly. Can be reused up to 10 times. • KN95 (and N95 and P2) masks can be reused, but must not be washed. Instead, let them air dry, in the sun such as on a windowsill for a minimum of 72 hours before re-wearing. Best stored in sunlight. Can also be stored in a paper (not plastic) bag. • Fabric masks – hand or machine wash daily and dry thoroughly.
