The COVID-19 variant of Omicron B.1.1.529 is currently capturing the attention of the world community after the World Health Organization (WHO) included the variant as a variant of concern on Friday (11/26/2021). In Hong Kong, the transmission of this variant has been linked to valve masks, a type of ‘selfish’ mask that has not been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2020.
The Omicron variant is claimed to have a higher risk of transmission. It is known that the variant of COVID-19 B.1.1.529 was first detected in South Africa and has spread to all parts of the world. It was later stated that the first case of Omicron was a Hong Kong citizen who was exposed due to wearing a valve mask when traveling.
Facts About Valve Mask
- Causes of Infected Patients
One patient in Hong Kong who was infected with the Omicron variant was known to have contracted it because he used a valve mask when he traveled to South Africa. This is based on the results of an investigation conducted by microbiologist Yuwn Kwok.
“This mask is a bit selfish… when the air is blown through the air valve, it’s not filtered, it’s not good,” he said.
- Not Protecting Yourself from Omicron Variants
Since 2020, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised people not to wear valve masks. This is because these masks cannot protect users from the Covid-19 virus.
The valve mask itself is designed to make it easier for users to breathe. Usually, those who use it are project workers, not for those of us who have to protect ourselves from the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus.
- High-Risk
According to the pulmonologist the use of a lung mask is very risky for exposure to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. For now, we recommend double masks.
“The valve mask is a breath from the wearer out, so if the wearer of the valve mask is sick with COVID-19, then the air coming out of the mask endangers the surroundings, so it is not recommended,”
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