Scarcity of raw material still squeezes N95 mask makers
4 years, 3 months ago

Scarcity of raw material still squeezes N95 mask makers

Associated Press  

FRESNO, Calif. — White House officials say U.S. hospitals have all the medical supplies needed to battle the deadly virus, but frontline workers, hospital officials and even the Food and Drug Administration say that’s not the case. Pressure on the medical supply chain continues today, and in “many ways things have only gotten worse,” the American Medical Association president, Dr. Susan Bailey, said in a recent statement. “N95s are still in a shortage,” said Mike Schiller, the American Hospital Association’s senior director for supply chains. “If every single country and region decides they’re going to make their own to be self-sufficient, we’ll have way too much meltblown probably within the end of next year,” Kalil said. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that Outdoor Research’s N95 masks were approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, not the Food and Drug Administration.

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History of this topic

Amid Covid apprehensions, demand for masks and sanitizers rises
1 year, 11 months ago

Amid Covid apprehensions, demand for masks and sanitizers rises

Deccan Chronicle  

HYDERABAD: Amid fears of a surge in Covid cases in the next 40 days, people have started buying sanitizers and masks. “It is only since the last one week that people have started buying masks and sanitizers. Although we have sufficient stock, we have placed orders seeing the demands for sanitizers, masks and liquid hand wash,” said Sudarshan B, in …

US government plans to make high-quality masks available for kids, White House adviser says
2 years, 10 months ago

US government plans to make high-quality masks available for kids, White House adviser says

CNN  

CNN — High-quality masks for children soon might be easier to find in the United States, if government plans come to fruition. The US government plans to make high-quality face masks available for children, and “that process is underway,” Dr. Tom Inglesby, senior adviser to the White House Covid-19 Response Team, told CNN on Wednesday. “Already, 230 million masks have …

We asked healthcare professionals about their face masks of choice for everyday use
2 years, 10 months ago

We asked healthcare professionals about their face masks of choice for everyday use

Salon  

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday emphasizes the importance of wearing the right mask while in a high-risk setting. "These data from real-world settings reinforce the importance of consistently wearing face masks or respirators to reduce the risk of acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the general public in indoor community settings," the CDC said …

Should you wear a cloth mask, or an N95 to avoid Omicron? US health experts answer
2 years, 11 months ago

Should you wear a cloth mask, or an N95 to avoid Omicron? US health experts answer

India TV News  

Highlights Cloth and surgical masks do nothing for protection from ambient virus, said a US top expert Evidence of the the N95's superiority to the cloth mask has been well-documented. "Cloth and surgical masks do absolutely nothing for protection from ambient virus," said Chad Roy, a microbiologist at Tulane University School of Medicine, referring to the virus spreading through the …

Why is it better to wear an N95 than a cloth mask right now?
2 years, 11 months ago

Why is it better to wear an N95 than a cloth mask right now?

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Why is it better to wear an N95 than a cloth mask right now? It’s especially important now with health care systems under strain, and with people in higher-risk situations such as crowded, indoor settings for extended periods, says Linsey Marr, who studies viruses at Virginia Tech. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated …

Biden to give away 400 million N95 masks starting next week
2 years, 11 months ago

Biden to give away 400 million N95 masks starting next week

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration will begin making 400 million N95 masks available for free to U.S. residents starting next week, now that federal officials are emphasizing their better protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19 over cloth face coverings. President Joe Biden embraced the initiative after facing mounting criticism this month over the inaccessibility — both in supply and …

Omicron Scare: Are N95 Masks Need of the Hour or Are Cloth Masks Still Safe?
2 years, 11 months ago

Omicron Scare: Are N95 Masks Need of the Hour or Are Cloth Masks Still Safe?

News 18  

Health experts suggest stepping up protection against the highly contagious omicron variant with stronger masks such as N95s or KN95s. It’s especially important now with health care systems under strain, and with people in higher-risk situations such as crowded, indoor settings for extended periods, says Linsey Marr, who studies viruses at Virginia Tech. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and …

Free N95 masks to be made available at pharmacies, White House says
2 years, 11 months ago

Free N95 masks to be made available at pharmacies, White House says

Live Mint  

BY SABRINA SIDDIQUI | UPDATED JAN 19, 2022 05:00 AM EST Distribution of 400 million masks comes as the Biden administration is also offering free rapid tests to combat the spread of Covid-19 The Biden administration on Wednesday is expected to announce plans to make 400 million N95 masks available free at pharmacies and community health centers across the country, …

White House to distribute 400 million N95 masks for free, starting next week
2 years, 11 months ago

White House to distribute 400 million N95 masks for free, starting next week

LA Times  

The Biden administration plans to start distributing next week millions of N95 masks, like the one nurse Lindsay Bowker is shown wearing in Kirkland, Wash. The Biden administration plans to distribute 400 million high-quality masks to Americans for free starting next week in the hopes of offering better protection against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the White House announced …

Joe Biden to give away 400 million N95 masks starting next week
2 years, 11 months ago

Joe Biden to give away 400 million N95 masks starting next week

India TV News  

Highlights 400 million N95 masks will be available for free to Americans starting next week. The Biden administration will begin making 400 million N95 masks available for free to Americans starting next week, now that federal officials are emphasizing their better protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19 over cloth face coverings. The White House said the masks will be …

CDC Acknowledges Cloth Masks Are Less Effective Than Others
2 years, 11 months ago

CDC Acknowledges Cloth Masks Are Less Effective Than Others

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conceded Friday that cloth masks are less effective than surgical or respirator masks as protection against COVID-19. “Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators offer the highest level …

CDC encourages more Americans to consider N95 masks
2 years, 11 months ago

CDC encourages more Americans to consider N95 masks

LA Times  

Registered nurse Scott McGieson wears an N95 mask as he walks out of a patient’s room in the acute care unit of Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on Friday. U.S. health officials on Friday encouraged more Americans to wear the kind of N95 or KN95 masks used by healthcare workers to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In updated guidance …

Ready for an N95? Here's how to find a high-quality one that fits you well
2 years, 11 months ago

Ready for an N95? Here's how to find a high-quality one that fits you well

NPR  

Ready for an N95? Here's how to find a high-quality one that fits you well Enlarge this image toggle caption Jennifer Swanson/NPR Jennifer Swanson/NPR After months of public health experts urging Americans to start wearing higher-quality masks, the Biden administration announced they're sending free ones to pharmacies and community health centers in the near future. Sponsor Message Some American consumers …

'What about the general public?': Members of Congress to get KN95 masks amid Omicron wave
2 years, 11 months ago

'What about the general public?': Members of Congress to get KN95 masks amid Omicron wave

Raw Story  

With Capitol Hill—like much of the United States—experiencing a major spike in Covid-19 cases, members of Congress and their offices are reportedly set to receive KN95 masks to help stem the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant. According to an email sent to House staffers last week and obtained by the Washington Post, "The Chief Administrative Officer has updated …

Big push for Californians to switch to N95 or KN95 masks as Omicron surge worsens
2 years, 11 months ago

Big push for Californians to switch to N95 or KN95 masks as Omicron surge worsens

LA Times  

Visitors to Chinatown wear masks. And for other activities, this may mean postponing your participation until community transmission is much reduced.” Last month, California’s public health director and health officer, Dr. Tomás Aragón, wrote that with the increasing airborne spread of the coronavirus, it’s important to improve the fit of masks and their filtration — making enhancements that go beyond …

Where To Buy N95 And KN95 Masks That Aren't Counterfeit
2 years, 11 months ago

Where To Buy N95 And KN95 Masks That Aren't Counterfeit

Huff Post  

Since the pandemic started, our lives have changed, adjusted and readjusted. “It’s estimated to be three times more transmissible than the delta variant,” she said, referring to the variant that was previously the most more prevalent in the U.S. “If we can upgrade our masks, it may help with that.” You can do so by double masking or by wearing …

What’s the latest advice on the type of mask I should wear?
3 years, 2 months ago

What’s the latest advice on the type of mask I should wear?

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — What’s the latest advice on the type of mask I should wear? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also says to pick masks with two or more layers and a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out the top. If you want added protection, experts also suggest wearing two masks or pairing them with …

US mask makers say they are being clobbered by cheaper competition from China
3 years, 3 months ago

US mask makers say they are being clobbered by cheaper competition from China

CNN  

CNN — When the pandemic first hit last year, Brian Wolin was working as a chiropractor, and his brother-in-law, Evan Shulman, ran a business making luxury retail displays for brands, such as Gucci and Chanel. That’s when they decided to launch Protective Health Gear, turning over a large part of Shulman’s manufacturing space to the production of masks, specifically N95 …

FDA: N95 masks, now plentiful, should no longer be reused
3 years, 8 months ago

FDA: N95 masks, now plentiful, should no longer be reused

Associated Press  

The Biden administration has taken the first step toward ending an emergency exception that allowed hospitals to ration and reuse N95 medical masks, the first line of defense between frontline workers and the deadly coronavirus. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is recommending health care personnel and facilities transition away from crisis capacity conservation strategies,” said the agency in a …

The US has N95 masks available – you just can’t find them
3 years, 9 months ago

The US has N95 masks available – you just can’t find them

CNN  

CNN — Nearly a year ago, Brian Wolin got involved because he wanted to help. A chiropractor for 22 years, Wolin partnered with his brother-in-law to form Protective Health Gear, a New Jersey company set on making N95 masks to help health care workers in the coronavirus pandemic. After months of thorough paperwork and rigorous testing of his N95 mask, …

Don’t Stop Wearing A Face Mask Just Yet; COVID Is Still Very Much Around And So Is Pollution
3 years, 10 months ago

Don’t Stop Wearing A Face Mask Just Yet; COVID Is Still Very Much Around And So Is Pollution

News 18  

The good news is the coronavirus cases seem to be dropping. Atlanta Healthcare Cambridge Mask Viral Safe N95: These N95 masks, developed by the UK based Cambridge Mask Co., are available with one valve These masks use military-grade filtration technology and protect you from dust, fuel-based contaminants, particulate matter, infectious pathogens, virus, bacteria, mold and spores as well as pollen. …

Hospitals still ration medical N95 masks as stockpiles swell
3 years, 10 months ago

Hospitals still ration medical N95 masks as stockpiles swell

Associated Press  

Mike Bowen’s warehouse outside Fort Worth, Texas, was piled high with cases of medical-grade N95 face masks. Turner’s employer, North Memorial Health, said in a statement that supplies have stabilized, but the company is still limiting use because “we must remain mindful of that supply” to ensure everyone’s safety. Chester “Trey” Moeller, a political appointee who served as the CDC’s …

Proper fit of face masks more important than material it is made of | Study
3 years, 10 months ago

Proper fit of face masks more important than material it is made of | Study

India Today  

In order to provide the best protection against Covid-19, the fit of a face mask is more important in some cases than the material it is made of, according to a study which suggests new ways for manufacturers to test the effectiveness of masks. In the study, seven participants first evaluated N95 and KN95 masks by performing a fit check. …

What you need to know about face masks as protection against Covid-19
3 years, 10 months ago

What you need to know about face masks as protection against Covid-19

CNN  

CNN — Let’s face it: Even as more people get vaccinated against Covid-19, everyone but small children will still need to wear a face mask for the foreseeable future. If everyone would wear N95 masks for four weeks in risky settings, “it would stop the epidemic,” Dr. Abraar Karan, an internal medicine physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard …

The face mask that could end the Covid-19 pandemic
3 years, 11 months ago

The face mask that could end the Covid-19 pandemic

CNN  

CNN — Getting Americans masked up is a top priority for the Biden administration. Some experts like Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School physician Dr. Abraar Karan have been advocating for public use of N95 masks from the start of the pandemic. Former US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb wrote in an op-ed in the …

Column: Why the U.S. still hasn’t solved its mask and glove shortages
4 years ago

Column: Why the U.S. still hasn’t solved its mask and glove shortages

LA Times  

Frontline medical personnel like these at Loma Linda University Medical Center rely on personal protective equipment while treating COVID-19 patients. In a survey last month, more than half of hospitals’ infection prevention specialists reported that they were wearing their N95 protective masks designed for one-time use five times or more. “The U.S. continues to face shortages of personal protective equipment, …

Design of Face Masks Crucial in Breaking the Chain of Coronavirus. Here's Why
4 years ago

Design of Face Masks Crucial in Breaking the Chain of Coronavirus. Here's Why

News 18  

Researchers, including one from Indian-origin, stressed that materials, design and length of face masks are important to help slow the spread of Covid-19. “The results suggest that the consistent use of efficient face masks, such as surgical masks, could lead to the eradication of the pandemic if at least 70 per cent of the residents use such masks in public …

Do masks with antiviral coating offer more protection?
4 years, 1 month ago

Do masks with antiviral coating offer more protection?

Associated Press  

Do masks with antiviral coating offer more protection? It’s an intriguing idea, but there haven’t been enough rigorous independent studies to establish whether antiviral masks are better at protecting wearers or preventing the spread of the virus. Websites for several antiviral masks do not provide detailed information about how researchers tested their safety or effectiveness, said Hyo-Jick Choi, a materials …

Researchers combine heat and humidity to disinfect N95 masks for reuse
4 years, 2 months ago

Researchers combine heat and humidity to disinfect N95 masks for reuse

Live Mint  

Healthcare workers, facing the shortage of protective equipment such as N95 masks, are left with no other option but to reuse their gear, thus increasing the risk of spreading coronavirus infection. However, there may be help on the way as researchers at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University and the University of Texas Medical Branch have …

Researchers Combine Heat and Humidity to Disinfect N95 Masks For Reuse
4 years, 2 months ago

Researchers Combine Heat and Humidity to Disinfect N95 Masks For Reuse

News 18  

Healthcare workers, facing the shortage of protective equipment such as N95 masks, are left with no other option but to reuse their gear, thus increasing the risk of spreading coronavirus infection. However, there may be help on the way as researchers at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University and the University of Texas Medical Branch have …

IIT-Kanpur introduces indegenous fashionable masks to fight Covid-19
4 years, 3 months ago

IIT-Kanpur introduces indegenous fashionable masks to fight Covid-19

India TV News  

Masks have become a precautionary measure for saving lives during the ongoing corona pandemic. So, IIT-Kanpur has designed unique fashionable designer masks keeping in view the health of the people which will prove to be very effective in combating the Covid-19 infection. Apart from previously launched white-black masks, we have added designer colourful multi-function N95 masks which will be launched …

Face masks: Check out which coverings offer sufficient protection and which do not work against Covid-19
4 years, 3 months ago

Face masks: Check out which coverings offer sufficient protection and which do not work against Covid-19

Hindustan Times  

While the hunt for a vaccine against the novel coronavirus continues, researchers across the world have been evaluating the best materials for filtering Covid-19, especially protective gears like face masks. Face masks that work and do not work against Covid-19 A face mask comes handy not only because it blocks the large respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes and prevents …

COVID-19 pandemic prompts designers to reimagine PPE, make it more effective and accessible
4 years, 3 months ago

COVID-19 pandemic prompts designers to reimagine PPE, make it more effective and accessible

Firstpost  

In March, as Covid-19 cases spiked and supplies of N95 protective masks dwindled at the Bay Area hospital where her brother-in-law works, Megan Duong launched a local search for N95s. It’s now possible to find startups crowdfunding for or selling a silver-plated antimicrobial glove, a facemask hidden in the brim of a hat, and a protective bubble that covers the …

Scarcity of key material squeezes medical mask manufacturing
4 years, 3 months ago

Scarcity of key material squeezes medical mask manufacturing

Associated Press  

FRESNO, Calif. — Rachel Spray is still grieving the loss of her fellow nurse who died after being exposed to the novel coronavirus at Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center in California. Pressure on the medical supply chain continues today, and in “many ways things have only gotten worse,” the American Medical Association’s president, Dr. Susan Bailey, said in a recent …

Centre & State Responsible To Ensure Availability Of N-95 Masks At Reasonable Prices: Karnataka HC
4 years, 3 months ago

Centre & State Responsible To Ensure Availability Of N-95 Masks At Reasonable Prices: Karnataka HC

Live Law  

Observing that "the Central and State Government are not helpless when it comes to regulating the price of N-95 masks and availability thereof," the Karnataka High Court on Friday, directed both governments to respond on the question of introducing regulatory measures as regards price of N95 masks. A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay OKa and Justice Aravind Kumar said …

Govt Relaxes Export Conditions for N95 Masks, Medical Coveralls
4 years, 3 months ago

Govt Relaxes Export Conditions for N95 Masks, Medical Coveralls

News 18  

The government on Tuesday relaxed curbs on exporting of masks and medical coveralls that are mostly used to control coronavirus infections. "The export policy of N-95/FFP2 masks or its equivalent is revised from prohibited to restricted category," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notification. The DGFT has also removed export curbs on 2/3 ply surgical masks, and …

California paid a price for mask shortage in dollars and lives, coronavirus study finds
4 years, 4 months ago

California paid a price for mask shortage in dollars and lives, coronavirus study finds

LA Times  

At least 15,800 essential workers would not have contracted COVID-19 if California had stockpiled enough masks and other protective equipment, while the state would have saved $93 million weekly on unemployment claims for out of work healthcare workers and avoided overpaying for supplies, according to a UC Berkeley Labor Center study released Wednesday. Lawmakers currently pushing a bill that would …

Amid Victorian coronavirus deaths, pressure mounts for respirator masks to protect Australian doctors
4 years, 4 months ago

Amid Victorian coronavirus deaths, pressure mounts for respirator masks to protect Australian doctors

ABC  

It's a workplace uniform which has scared little children, but for Perth doctor Sean Stevens the alternative to not wearing it is far more terrifying. Key points: Healthcare workers are concerned about the risk of a WA outbreak Healthcare workers are concerned about the risk of a WA outbreak The Government has ramped up procurement of PPE for the sector …

Don’t blame the government for ordering 50 million unusable masks, we all know they’re an engineering nightmare
4 years, 4 months ago

Don’t blame the government for ordering 50 million unusable masks, we all know they’re an engineering nightmare

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government …

UK Says 50 Million Face Masks it Bought During Coronavirus Outbreak Might Not be Safe
4 years, 4 months ago

UK Says 50 Million Face Masks it Bought During Coronavirus Outbreak Might Not be Safe

News 18  

The British government says it won't be using 50 million face masks it bought during a scramble to secure protective equipment for medics during the coronavirus outbreak because of concerns they might not be safe. The masks were part of a 252 million pound contract the government signed with investment firm Ayanda Capital in April. As the coronavirus outbreak accelerated …

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