Thread by @AbraarKaran

"Our results also suggest that the use of FFP2 masks should be preferred to surgical masks, as even loosely worn FFP2 masks can reduce the risk of infection by a factor of 2.5 compared with well-fitted surgical masks."

FFP2 is the European version of N95

pnas.org/content/118/49…

2/ "IN CONTINENTAL EUROPE few people now wear cloth masks as protection against covid-19. Instead, they don surgical or, increasingly, FFP2 masks, a highly efficient medical grade. Meanwhile, in Britain and America, FFP2 coverings are less common."
economist.com/the-economist-…

3/ "And rather than hoping your cloth mask will have you covered, come prepared with surgical masks and N95s as well. For example, you need N95s,KN95s or FFP2 to ride public transport in Germany."

nytimes.com/2021/12/10/tra…

4/ From January 2021-- almost one year ago

In the US, we are still stuck arguing about wearing masks at all.

npr.org/sections/coron…

5/ We pushed for national attention to upgrading masks 1.5 years ago.

Yes, Spring 2020.

Many people here who follow us can attest- as can our numerous op-eds trying to bring attention to this issue.

Why?

Because HiFi masks are not dependent on which variant is circulating

6/ If we were dealing with a more concerning variant that caused severe disease even in fully vaccinated people-- then what?

We need backstops we can pull out whenever needed

Restructuring ventilation, while important, isn't an overnight job

Putting on a HiFi mask can be