US N95 Mask Prices Surge Chaos... CDC Director "No Plans to Recommend"

Denial of Report on N95 Mask Recommendation Plan
"Accurate Information on the Effectiveness of Various Masks to Be Provided"

A teacher is holding a placard demanding the supply of N95-grade masks.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Rochelle Walensky, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stated that there are no plans to recommend the use of N95-grade masks to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant. However, she said that explanations about which masks are effective will be included in the guidelines.

On the 12th (local time), Director Walensky said at the White House COVID-19 Task Force briefing, "We recommend wearing well-fitting masks to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19." She also emphasized, "The CDC advises that using any mask is better than not using one at all," and that the recommendation will not change.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

This denies reports from the previous day that the CDC was considering revising mask-wearing guidelines to recommend N95 and KN95-grade masks, primarily used by healthcare workers, instead of surgical or cloth masks.

According to Bloomberg News, following these reports, confusion arose with prices of N95-grade masks soaring on platforms like Amazon. The N95 mask has performance similar to the KN94-grade mask commonly used in Korea. In the U.S., N95 masks are mainly used by medical personnel. KN95 masks are Chinese-made masks with similar performance.

Director Walensky explained that instead, the CDC needs to update information on the levels of protection provided by various masks, including N95 masks.

This is interpreted to mean that even if the use of N95 masks is not recommended, accurate preventive information will be provided so that the public can make their own choices.

Director Walensky explained, "The best mask is one that can be worn all day indoors."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.