Coronavirus Technology Solutions
February 1, 2021

 

Step Two in the Three Step Mask Strategy Webinar Friday Feb 5 at 10:AM CST

ISO is Also a Potential Resource in the Safe Bubble Certification

SGS Galson Teams with SafeTraces to Supplement PM with Aerosol Monitoring and Analysis

Certifying Relative Risk Reduction for a Safe Bubble

Underwriters Laboratory Provides Mask Testing in 100 Countries

CDC Now Requires Masks on All Forms of Public Transportation

Wyndham Grand Manana is SGS Certified

Clean & SAFE Protocol is a Certification Program by SGS and HRS

Eurofins Tests and Certifies EU Community Masks with Results Published on the Mask Package
Utah Governor Urges Upgrading Masks

__________________________________________________________________________


Step Two in the Three Step Mask Strategy Webinar Friday Feb 5 at 10:AM CST

On the 28th we covered the background for Step 1 of the Friday webinar. Today we are covering Step 2 and tomorrow Step 3.

Click here to register for the February 5 webinar

https://home.mcilvainecompany.com/index.php?option=com_rsform&view=rsform&formId=92

The three steps are (l) launching an awareness blitz, (2) advise on which masks should be worn and (3) prioritize masks for the vulnerable

2. Communicate which type of masks people should wear

a.       N95

b.      CATER

c.       surgical mask with brace

d.      eN95

e.       other

2.      Communicate which type of masks people should wear

Cloth masks with a poor fit are now prevalent. In general the poor fit allows 40% or more of the virus to remain airborne. A number of performance tests are shown in the Alerts. The following chart shows the combined efficiency on masks worn by both transmitter and recipient.

a.       N95

N 95 masks and their counter parts are efficient and tight fitting. The questions revolve around comfort and also availability.

b.      CATER

Comfortable, Attractive Tight Fitting, Efficient, Reusable masks have all the factors which are desired but there is a price for comfort and attractiveness. However if these masks are used for 40 days the cost is less than $ 1/day.

The tight fit is critical. Some mask suppliers such as Vogmask have five different sizes in order to insure that the mask matches the face. 

M^3D.ai has  a program discussed in our last webinar and covered in the January 25 Alert where a mask purchaser can use his mobile phone and select a mask which will provide a good fit. They are collaborating with Vogmask who has five different mask sizes. Based on the phone image the right size mask can be chosen.

Vogmask  has done extensive fit testing. If you access the CMD intelligence system and search under “fit” you find the following link Quantitative inlet Fit by mask size.  This shows air in leakage under a variety of motions for several mask sizes. This is the quantity and quality of information that is needed  by a consultant to properly rate a mask.

c.       surgical mask with brace

Surgical masks are readily available. The meltblown media which is used is highly efficient. The problem is the poor fit. As much as 40% of the air can bypass the media. One breakthrough is the Essential Brace which can be used with the surgical mask to provide a tight seal. This brace is designed for comfort as well as sealing.

d.      eN95

The elastomeric N95 mask is a respirator with replaceable filters and is now being used in medical settings.

e.       other

There are other masks which could soon be available.  If a tight fitting mask which incorporates washable media can be made available it could be an important option.

The three step program  requires availability of masks for hundreds of millions of people quickly. Media availability is one concern. Another is mask making capability. With the mix of masks available it is likely that the requisite masks could be supplied during the second quarter of this year.

Medical experts have recently stated that if everyone had an N95 mask the pandemic would be stopped in four weeks.  By the third quarter there could be a combination of vaccinations and effective masks which will provide the herd immunity in the U.S.

However it is unclear whether a vaccinated unmasked individual can be a transmitter. If this is the case then a combination of unmasked vaccinated people and those with effective masks is not an answer.

Once effective masking is achieved in Europe the U.S. and developed countries there can be   greater focus on the underdeveloped countries where herd immunity through vaccination is not likely  for several years.

We invite you to join us on the 5th and discuss these issues.

 

ISO is Also a Potential Resource in the Safe Bubble Certification

ISO is a resource for consultants (experts) to consider in the whole safe bubble program. ISO has information on mask evaluation based on the oxygen consumption of the individual. 

The resistance tests now used are based on a standard amount of air and constant flow. A mask with a given filtration area can be used by individuals whose quantity of oxygen consumption and inspiratory flow varies considerably.  So the actual resistance will be different depending on the individual.

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.

One  part of ISO/TS 16976 provides information on factors related to human anthropometry, physiology, ergonomics, and performance for the preparation of standards for performance requirements, testing, and use of respiratory protective devices. This part of  ISO/TS 16976 contains information related to respiratory and metabolic responses to rest and work at various intensities. Information is provided for the following:

·       — metabolic rates associated with various intensities of work

·       — oxygen consumption as a function of metabolic rate and minute ventilation for persons representing three body sizes

·       — peak inspiratory flow rates during conditions of speech and no speech for persons representing three body sizes as a function of metabolic rates.

The information contained within this part of ISO/TS 16976 represents data for healthy adult men and women of approximately 30 years of age but is applicable for the age range of the general population.

 

SGS Galson Teams with SafeTraces to Supplement PM with Aerosol Monitoring and Analysis

Just a few years ago, SGS Galson, under Ron McMahan’s leadership, introduced SmartSense continuous monitoring with sample capture, SGS Galson’s state-of-the-art continuous monitoring system. SmartSense is being used in many applications, including PM monitors for wildfire particulate monitoring. Now, SGS is combining a powerful combination of air quality testing and SmartSense continuous monitoring for IAQ to reduce possible SARS-CoV-2 spread through monitoring ventilation effectiveness.

SGS Galson is teaming with SafeTraces, a leader and innovator in DNA-enabled diagnostic solutions, to offer veriDART, the first diagnostic solution for verifying ventilation and filtration-focused engineering controls, specifically for infection control, through a novel methodology that safely mimics aerosol mobility and exposure levels with DNA-tagged tracer particles. More details on veriDART are here.

When scientists confirmed that aerosol spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in indoor air presents a significant risk to occupants, SGS Galson provided an RT-qPCR method to monitor the virus in air. One unresolved issue in the built environment, however, was verifying whether engineering and HVAC controls were effectively reducing airborne virus indoors.

THE SOLUTION

SafeTraces_veriDART_

Teaming with SafeTraces, a leader and innovator in DNA-enabled diagnostic solutions, SGS Galson, now has available a patent pending kit-sampling solution developed by SafeTraces, the  veriDART, which verifies HVAC and filter systems for aerosol transmission risk. SGS Galson’s reputation for analytical excellence and the  FreePumpLoan™ program create a powerful combination with veriDART at identifying SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the built environment.

Facilities obtain  fast, accurate and cost-effective analysis to reduce airborne viral accumulation indoors.

The veriDART leverages customized test plans that address customers’ assessment needs, including survey tests, dilution ventilation tests, and filtration tests.

The kit includes SafeTraces’ innovative aerosol spray. This liquid aerosol-based solution uses DNA tracers to safely mimic the composition and mobility of viral aerosol to measure the effectiveness of ventilation and filtration for aerosol contaminants.

FOUR-STEP PROCESS

 

Since 2015, SafeTraces has been a leader and innovator at the forefront of DNA-based testing solutions for safety, traceability, and environmental monitoring. Spawned from the Lawrence Livermore National Labs, our groundbreaking, patented technology leverages DNAtagged particles that safely mimic the mobility of airborne pathogens. In its early days, our technology supported biosecurity-focused applications for the Department of Homeland Security and New York City Transit Authority, as well as well as the Department of Defense. Subsequently, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has supported SafeTraces with multiple research grants to build on our initial breakthroughs for wider development and application of our technology in food, pharmaceuticals, and the built environment.
 

Additional financial support has been provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Science Foundation (NSF), and technical advisory support has been provided by a world-class team of multi-disciplinary experts in biochemistry, fluid dynamics, virology, and building science at Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of Nebraska.

Chemical Composition: veriDART’s tracers mimic the chemical composition of human saliva and aerosols. Tracers consist of distilled water, food-grade, water soluble ingredients, and DNA. veriDART adheres to the highest levels of product safety. The FDA confirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for the  technology uses short, non-coding, non-living DNA sequences. veriDART complies with OSHA, NIOSH, and ECHA safe exposure limits.

Aerosol Mobility: veriDART’s tracer mobility simulates transmission of airborne pathogens via a spraying action that approximates human coughing and sneezing and an air sampling action that approximates human inhalation. Each spray creates a distribution of tracer particle sizes consistent within human respiratory droplet and aerosol range. Meanwhile, veriDART employs an air sampler with a vacuum flow rate similar to breathing that pulls airborne particles on to a filter specialized for small aerosols. veriDART’s secondary sampling method is surface swabs for customers interested in analyzing fomite transmission risk.

Detection Levels: veriDART’s detection levels are informed by infectious viral loads for respiratory droplets and aerosols, with DNA concentrated in tracers based on the latest virology for SARS-CoV-2 and other airborne pathogens. Leveraging polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, veriDART measures the difference between the baseline concentration level of DNA copies in each tracer solution and the detection level of each tracer solution found at each sampling point in order to establish a quantifiable reduction on a log10 scale. This log reduction is the basis for the risk thresholds used in veriDART’s heat map visualizations. A 3-log reduction, or 1000-fold decrease, in DNA copies from the baseline to the sampling point is considered the diagnostic indicator for low risk.

 

 

Certifying Relative Risk Reduction for a Safe Bubble

A number of companies rely on their expertise and knowledge to certify  the performance of products.  McIlvaine has been establishing a basis where facilities could receive a certification that their virus reduction initiatives meet the equivalent of any regulation.

The case of a facility where cloth masks are allowed  and occupancy is limited to 25% was used as an example. A certification can be provided that a specific facility with 100% occupancy but tight fitting masks and superior HVAC creates a risk lower than the regulatory specified  risk.

The companies providing this certification can just be consulting companies. Alternatively they can be companies which also  provide some of the products and services. In the above article we covered the SGS collaboration to provide HVAC aerosol analysis. This means that SGS is  already involved in each of the nine steps which are relevant in creating a certification basis

Diagram, text Description automatically generated 

Diagram Description automatically generated

 

One advantage that a company such as SGS has is that it can move quickly to provide certification.  Most consulting companies would need some time to organize the collaboration  and expertise necessary to do this. SGS and Eurofins are also global companies which is an advantage.  On the other hand these companies may be too big and slow moving to meet the urgent needs.  This leaves the door open for dynamic consulting companies.

 

Underwriters Laboratory Provides Mask Testing in 100 Countries

Understanding and meeting the regulations relevant to PPE products in all of the target markets can be especially difficult during a time of crisis. It requires both technical expertise and industry know-how to navigate regulatory complexities and bring  PPE products to market quickly.

Underwriters Laboratories evaluates PPE and apparel to the industry’s standards for safety and performance, including regulations and guidelines provided by the World Health Organization COVID-19 Operational Support and Logistics Disease Commodity Packages, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission. UL test and certify a wide range of PPE products including:

  • Protective goggles and face shields, aka eye protection, which are intended to mainly protect the user’s eye or facial area from emitted droplets to ANSI Z87.1 in North America and to EN 166 for Europe
  • Isolation gowns, surgical gowns and drape protection for healthcare providers to ANSI/AAMI PB70 for North America
  • Partnering with external labs to test medical gloves, which are intended to protect the wearer from contaminants during medical examination and diagnostic procedures, to ASTM D6319 in North America
  • Partnering with external labs to test filtering facepiece respirators, also known as respirators, N95 respirators or particle-filtering half masks (FFRs) to 42 CFR Part 84 (N95) and 21 CFR 878.4040 in North America and to EN 149 for Europe
  • Surgical masks, nonsurgical masks and nonmedical masks

UL  global solutions for both North America (UL Mark) and Europe (CE Mark) help clients  demonstrate compliance with PPE standards. UL will help understand the guidelines and regulations applicable to PPE products, test products to determine compliance, and offer document review for COVID-19 products certified in another country. For new product types in consideration, UL can support clients with the necessary regulatory, technical and testing advice – including 3D printing considerations – that can help  bring innovative products to market quickly.

Global guidelines for face mask testing may leave retailers, brands and manufacturers confused or unaware of the latest requirements. UL face mask testing services can help take the complexity out of the  supply chain. UL says that as a trusted partner, it can help expedite production of these essential products to serve public health needs. 

It provides solutions for three distinctive types of face masks:

  • Surgical masks – medical masks with liquid barrier protection
  • Nonsurgical masks – medical masks with no liquid barrier protection
  • Nonmedical masks – masks for general public use

Solutions range from product and packaging testing to assessments on labeling and flammability. It can also provide factory audits and inspections.

Benefits of face mask testing

When conducting product testing and verification, UL  consider many regulations and standard entities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). UL also offers quality assurance programs that evaluate an entire operation and can provide facility inspections and training. Consumer and health care workers’ safety and well-being are paramount to the program, and  mission to support public safety and health.

Third-party inspections of consumer goods are a key checkpoint in a global quality assurance program. They help ensure the product meets specification before release and shipment and help build and maintain consumer trust.

Why UL?

  • UL operates in more than 100 countries and its reports and certifications are recognized and accepted around the world.
  • UL has  helped to set more than 1,600 Standards defining safety, security, quality and sustainability.
  • UL knowledge of global standards and regulatory requirements covers many markets and authorities including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

CDC Now Requires Masks on All Forms of Public Transportation

Starting this week, travelers and commuters will be required to wear face masks on nearly all forms of public transportation as part of a sweeping new order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

The order, issued late Friday, will require masks to be worn by "all passengers on public conveyances" traveling into or within the United States, including airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-shares. Coverings will also be required at transportation hubs like airports, bus terminals, and train or subway stations. The new guidelines take effect at 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 1.

"Requiring masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans and provide confidence that we can once again travel safely even during this pandemic," said the 11-page order signed by Dr. Martin Cetron, director of the CDC's Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. "Therefore, requiring masks will help us control this pandemic and aid in reopening America's economy."

The new order arrives at a pivotal moment in the pandemic. One year to the day since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global health emergency, the U.S. has seen nearly 26 million cases and more than 436,000 deaths. And while two vaccines have already begun rolling out, troubling new variants from South Africa and the United Kingdom are raising growing alarm about whether health officials can prevent the virus from spiraling even further out of control.


 Friday's order helps underscore the importance the new administration is placing on masks as part of that effort. Under President Donald Trump, the CDC was blocked from requiring masks on public transportation, but on his first full day in office President Biden signed an executive order requiring passengers to wear face coverings during interstate travel.

"The experts say by wearing a mask from now until April, we'd save more than 50,000 lives going forward," Biden said.

The CDC order adds several layers of new detail on top of Biden's executive action, listing as one of its four main objectives "the preservation of human life."

The guidelines allow for a handful of exceptions. Children under the age of two won't be required to wear coverings, and neither will anyone with a disability who cannot safely wear a mask. Otherwise, the order says passengers and operators are required to wear their masks at all times except "for brief periods," such as to eat, drink or take medications.

The agency said that airlines and other operators must "at the earliest opportunity" remove any passenger who refuses to comply with the mask order. Anyone violating the order could face potential criminal penalties, but the CDC suggested that civil penalties would be more likely

 

Wyndham Grand Manana is SGS Certified

The hotel has the following  statement on its website “SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. They are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of more than 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

The “Disinfection Monitored, Cleaning Checked Mark” certification is includes an on-site inspection couple with fluorescent marking and ATP sampling and testing. The methodology validates, amongst others, the effectiveness of cleaning procedures, the adequacy of products used and the implementation of enhanced cleaning schedules, especially on high frequency touch points.

For your safety and protection, the hotel, its rooms, facilities and common areas are regularly cleaned, disinfected and sanitized according to specifically designed guidelines. Count on us to put your safety first!”

SGS is described by the hotel as a global benchmark of quality and integrity. Many of the  disinfection analyses resulting in certification are qualitative. They are more qualitative than  comparing a facility virus reduction percentage compared to a regulatory standard such as 25% occupancy.

 

Clean & SAFE Protocol is a Certification Program by SGS and HRS

HRS, the leading global corporate lodging platform, and SGS have a  cleanliness-focused program for the hotel industry.

The Clean & Safe Protocol provides corporations and hoteliers with a well-defined standard at a time when property hygiene is the leading factor as corporations plan to send business travelers back on the road. Hotels earning the designation as a safe property gain access to a new label for use in HRS procurement and booking channels, their own corporate website, and on-property displays at entrances, lobbies and in-room marketing. HRS will display this label on its proprietary desktop, mobile and agent booking solutions, as well as corporate online booking engines (OBEs) such as Concur and Cytric.

HRS is the leading global provider of hotel procurement services, managing hotel negotiations for more than one-third of the Fortune 500. In a  survey of its corporate customers, 86 percent of companies reported that they will only engage with hotels that have implemented revised specific COVID-19 hygiene measures.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dramatic pause in business travel, cleaning and safety standards for travelers have become the most important deciding factor for corporations using the downturn to recalibrate hotel programs for the balance of 2020 and 2021. As countries loosen travel restrictions and domestic business travel gains momentum, a hotel's ability to showcase its enhanced hygiene protocol is crucial for gaining more business guests and better long-term relationships with preferred corporate clients. Hotels can use the Clean & Safe Protocol not only to convey their enhanced hygiene practices, but also to make booking easier for business travelers, as the labels enable them to compare inspected hotels before making a selection.

The Clean & Safe Protocol is based on a comprehensive catalogue of measures that includes recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as guidelines for meetings and groups as defined by the Research Institute for Exhibition and Live-Communication (RIFEL). Measures include:

  • Improved hygiene services in public areas, guest and meeting rooms
  • Extended infection prevention measures
  • Guaranteed minimum distances
  • Implementation of revised training programs for employees and suppliers
  • Regular control and monitoring, and
  • Other measures that illustrate consistent, recurring practices that enhance safety

Many hotels worldwide have already enhanced their hygiene measures to address the new reality, with chains leading the way. HRS and SGS are committed to helping all hotels – multi-national chains, regional groups, and independent properties – ensure their cleanliness and distancing investments pay off via accurate representation in procurement and shopping channels. By conveying each hotel's enhanced practices, business travelers and hotel program leaders will quickly gain confidence as they look ahead to re-launching travel activities. By incorporating internal processes and employee security, the Clean & Safe Protocol also demonstrates the hotel's focus on both employees and guests.

The Clean & Safe Standard gives all hotels the opportunity to demonstrate their safe hygiene practices. As a first step, hotels can engage with HRS to fill out an online self-assessment form. Hotel groups can bundle forms for their affiliated properties. If the hotel fulfills the necessary requirements, it receives a "Clean & Safe Self Inspected" label on all HRS procurement and booking channels. These hotels can also use these channels to show the multiple steps they are taking to enhance cleanliness and on-property distancing.

Secondly, HRS and SGS offer hotels the opportunity to have new measures inspected and confirmed via remote digital inspection or onsite by an SGS inspector. Upon passing the inspection, the hotel receives the "Clean & Safe Expert Inspected" label, which is most relevant for corporate procurement leaders and travelers. This can be displayed on the hotel property and website. Hotels that have implemented their own measures and had them validated by an external audit partner will also receive the "Clean & Safe Expert Inspected" label directly with appropriate proof.

"COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the world of business travel. In times of pandemic and beyond, corporate travel managers are rigorously weighing their duty of care responsibilities and traveler safety as their colleagues get back on the road to see clients and sell to prospects," says Tobias Ragge, CEO of HRS. "Hoteliers around the world are investing significant amounts into new cleanliness procedures. We intend to make their efforts transparent, as this is needed to restore the sentiment of trust for business travelers and corporate buyers. SGS, a recognized provider in the field of corporate lodging with its leading inspection and auditing offerings and a truly global footprint, is an ideal partner on this important issue for our corporate customers, hotel partners and business travelers."

"SGS's global leadership in the travel and hospitality industry has enabled our network of health and safety experts to develop a comprehensive and straightforward protocol in 100+ countries for reviewing hotel management procedures and disinfection status," said Frankie Ng, CEO of SGS. "With HRS, we have a great strategic partner to advance

 

Eurofins Tests and Certifies EU Community Masks with Results Published on the Mask Package

As the use of community masks –also referred to as hygienic masks - becomes part of our daily lives, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published, by request of the European Union, the Workshop Agreement (CWA) guidelines CWA 17553.

Eurofins offers a service of testing against the minimum requirements. This includes

• Visual inspection - Tears, harness detachment, ill-fit, deformation, etc.
• Size - Adapted to the morphology of the average user.

• Materials – should withstand handling and wear throughout the claimed lifetime.
• Cleaning – if reusable, shall withstand at least 5 cleaning cycles according to EN ISO 6330.

• Surface condition of the parts - No sharp edges or burrs.

• Filtration efficiency of the material – Checked against the two determined levels (90% and 70%), based on the efficacy to filtrate particles (3 ± 0.5 μm).

• Head harness – Self-adjusting, elastic or with laces, over the head or ears and designed to fit the average user, the harness should be robust enough while avoiding discomfort. It shall withstand 5 donning and doffing cycles by at least three subjects with different morphologies.

• Breathing resistance and air permeability – The material shall not exceed a differential pressure ≤ 70 Pa/cm² (correlates to 80 l/s/m²) for a vacuum pressure of 100 Pa.

 Marking checks.   Marking on the product packaging is mandatory, in the concerned official domestic language(s). Eurofins’ label and marking check service includes:

• Completion of name, trademark, address and contact details of the responsible actor (producer or importer).

• Product batch ID.

• If tested against the CWA document, designation “Community face coverings CWA” followed by the version of the concerned CWA document.

 • The filtration efficiency level, method used and standard. • Durability - “reusable” or “disposable”. • Targeted user age, “child” or “adult”.

• Restriction warning: “Not suitable for children under 3 years old

 

Utah Governor Urges Upgrading Masks

With the more contagious U.K. variant of COVID-19 circulating in Utah and widespread vaccination months away, Gov. Spencer Cox says he would “encourage people, if you can, to upgrade the quality of your masks.”

Utah is working with the Biden administration, he added at a Thursday news conference, “on getting more and better masks out to people ... The right quality mask protects the user as well as those around them.”

So should Utahns double up like inaugural poet Amanda Gorman, who wore a plain mask under her sparkly red rhinestone one? Or set aside their cloth facial fashions for medical-quality gear?

Double masking often means wearing a surgical-stye mask under a cloth mask. And it does have potential benefits for those who want to do all they can to protect themselves, or anyone in a higher risk environment like public transportation, said Dr. Russell Vinik, chief medical operations officer at University of Utah Health.

Public health expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has been explaining in interviews about double masking that “the more material, the more filters, the more virus that’s going to get trapped in those filters,” Vinik said.

“In addition, double masking does create a better fit,” Vinik said in an online briefing hosted by the U.

“On the other hand, what we know is, masking works,” Vinik emphasized. “And more than anything, our message to the public is, wear a mask and wear a mask properly. Wear it over your nose ... wear it all the way under your chin.”

With the arrival of COVID-19 variants, the conversation around masking is shifting to, “OK, how do we make masks more effective?” said Dr. Eddie Stenehjem, an infectious disease  specialist at Intermountain Healthcare.

“Up until now, it’s just been ‘wear a mask.’ There hasn’t been any kind of discussion about, is it a quality mask? Is it a mask that actually fits on your face?” Stenehjem said. “Is it one that has a nose bridge, and actually stays there? Or does it move when you talk?”

People need to ensure their masks fit well and offer multiple layers of material to create an effective barrier, he said. “If that means wearing a double mask, or a surgical mask with something over it, I think that’s a great way to go.”

During a community update offered by Intermountain, Stenehjem also broke down the types of masks available and their effectiveness.

N95 masks • These are costly, in short supply, and needed by health care workers who are caring for people with coronavirus, Stenehjem said. “An N95 mask is a very tight-fitting mask; you have to have it fit to your face to ensure that it has a functional seal,” he said. They are the best masks for preventing the transmission of respiratory droplets that carry the virus, he said.

Right now, with all personal protective equipment for Utah caregivers — N95 masks, gowns, gloves — “we’re in a pretty decent spot,” he added. Health care providers have to be prepared for any possible future surges, he noted, so they are careful to maintain their supplies.

KN95 masks • These masks, which are becoming more available, aren’t fitted to an individual’s face, Stenehjem said. “They are still a very good mask, though, in terms of preventing respiratory transmission.”

Hospital-grade surgical masks • This is the type of mask Stenehjem wears daily to talk with hospitalized patients and even care for coronavirus patients who are not on a ventilator or undergoing respiratory procedures, he said. They are meant for health care workers and can be worn all day, he said.

Consumer surgical masks • Standard “one and done” surgical masks that can be found at Costco and other outlets are the next step down, he said.

Pandemic-era masks • “And then you have all these other masks that have been created, right, whether it be through Cotopaxi or through bandanas or through buffs,” he said. Their quality can be unknown, yet “that’s what the majority of people wear,” he said.

Besides double masking, Utahns thinking about improving their mask quality could consider the disposable, daily surgical masks, he said, or any masks with multiple layers, that have a good seal over your nose, that cover your face and fit well.

For now, the Utah Department of Health has not changed its guidelines for mask users, a spokesman said.

“We recommend people wear two or more layer cloth masks that cover the nose and mouth,” he said in an email. “There is no recommendation that people wear surgical, N95, or KN95, although if people want to do so that is certainly their prerogative.