Is Omicron yet to peak in the USA? Free at-Home Covid-19 Tests and Masks.
January 19 2022. The U.S. Surgeon General warned on Sunday that the omicron surge of the coronavirus has yet to peak nationally, despite more than 750,000 new Covid-19 infections being reported every day, according to Johns Hopkins University data, over the last week,
In an interview with CNN, U.S. Surgeon General Murthy said some states in the Northeast are seeing a plateau of new cases, while other regions are seeing a surge of new infections of Omicron Variant.
This means that Americans at work, school, and elsewhere face an unprecedented risk of exposure during the pandemic.
According to JHU data, the number of Americans dying from Covid-19 has surged in recent days, with 1,796 Covid-19 deaths reported on Sunday.
According to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services, 156,000 people were hospitalized with Covid-19 as of Sunday.
Got Vaccinations, Booster shots, what else people can do?
The wearing of masks correctly and consistently is a vital step that everyone can take to avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19.
Masking or Covering up our Lives
“Any Mask is better than No mask“, words from CDC Director, guide us to wear a mask to protect us from covid-19 infection.
We are all started Masking up or Covering up our lives(?), yes I believe that because of the covid-19, we are”covering up” our lives Physically, mentally, and financially.
Since January 20, 2020, the CDC confirmed the first U.S. laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. from samples taken on January 18 in Washington state.
Wearing a mask on face, which is people find it difficult, they find innovative ways to wear a mask, number one is wearing a mask around the neck, is virus entering thru your neck? Does any scientist find?…
And wearing it on the chin, mask on the forehead to show off yourself that you are wearing it.
Wearing a mask below the nose to make a virus entry. some people find masks as beauty wear so they make them dangling from one ear, some people wear it on their arm looks attractive indeed.
But why should we wear a mask? people forgot about the main thing, we are wearing a mask to protect ourselves from covid-19 attack.
US Government offers Free Covid-19 Tests & High-quality Free masks
The government announced every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Get your free at-home Covid-19 tests here from today: https://www.covidtests.gov/
They are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR, the tests can be taken anywhere and give results within 30 minutes.
All you need to place an order is your name and address. There is no need for an ID, a credit card, or details about your health insurance. You can also provide your email address to get order updates.
President Joe Biden announced last week that his administration would make high-quality face masks available for free to all Americans as the country faces a surge of covid-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant.
“I know we all wish we could finally be done with wearing masks, I get it,” Biden remarked from the White House, “but they are a really important tool to stop the spread, especially of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.”
The legislation requires the federal government to provide everyone with a kit containing three N95 masks, but the administration has not yet announced when the distribution will begin.
CDC urges people to wear " High protective" masks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) amended its advice to all of us on wearing masks to protect against COVID-19 on Friday (on Jan-14), urging wearing “the most protective mask you can” but stopping short of advocating worldwide use of N95 respirators.
CDC stated on its website “that people can pick respirators such as N95s and KN95s, including addressing concerns linked to supply shortages for N95s.”
Who should wear a Mask?
CDC advises that Everyone above the age of two who has not been fully immunized should wear a mask in public locations indoors.
Consider using a mask in busy outdoor settings and for activities that require close contact with those who are not fully vaccinated in locations with a high number of COVID-19 infections.
Even if they are fully vaccinated, those who have an illness or are using medications that weaken their immune system may not be protected.
They should continue to take all measures suggested for unvaccinated persons, including wearing a well-fitting mask until their healthcare physician advises them differently.
If you are completely vaccinated, use a mask inside, in public if you are in an area of significant or high transmission to maximize protection and prevent possibly spreading COVID-19 to others.
On flights, buses, trains, and other types of public transportation traveling into, through, or out of the United States, as well as while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and train stations, wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is compulsory.
What does Expert say about Cloth/Fabric masks?
Many specialists have warned that the fabric masks often used do not provide effective protection against the spread of the highly dangerous Omicron variant.
The CDC’s website said unequivocally that “Loosely woven cloth materials offer the least protection,” while users “may choose respirators such as N95s and KN95s… eliminating concerns about N95 supply constraints.”
Masks with an exhaust valve do not prevent the virus from spreading to other people.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the CDC, reiterated on Wednesday that “Any mask is better than no mask.”
What are N95 masks?
These masks, as well as their worldwide known as KN95s and KF94s, are frequently constructed of numerous layers of polypropylene, a synthetic fiber.
They’re made to produce a tight seal around the nose and mouth, with straps that go around the back of the head and edges that form a tight seal around the nose and mouth.
When properly worn, N95 respirators are designed to filter out at least 95 percent of particulate matter in the air, preventing anything larger than.3 microns from passing through.
KN95s and KF94s, which are certified in China and South Korea, provide equivalent protection to N95 masks. KF is an abbreviation for “Korean filter,” and it denotes 94 percent filtration.
“The best masks are some version of N95,” said Eric Toner, senior scientist of environmental health and engineering at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. “N95s, KN95s, and KF94s are functionally equivalent.”
How can I Identifiy a quality N95 masks?
On its website, the CDC lists manufacturers of authorized N95 masks. Masks should have the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) emblem and an approval number printed on them.
The CDC has cautioned that almost 60% of KN95 respirators tested in 2020 and 2021 fall short of standards.
Why am I changing my mask now?
With the Omicron variant driving most of the COVID-19 infections, specialists believe a better mask will help prevent transmission.
According to the CDC, a NIOSH-approved N95 offers the best protection. The next best protection is provided by well-fitting surgical masks and KN95 masks, followed by fabric masks with many layers.
Are N95 masks reusable?
According to the CDC, masks are intended for single use but can be used multiple times if supplies are limited. According to the agency, N95s should not be used more than five times.
Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious disease expert at the Mayo Clinic, says that when a mask gets wet from exhalation or sweat, its efficacy reduces, and he recommends replacing masks throughout the day.
When Should I Wear N95?
When caring for someone with COVID-19, if at risk of serious disease or working in a high-risk job, when commuting on public transit for a lengthy time, in crowded indoors or outdoors, or if not up to date on vaccines, the CDC recommends wearing an N95.
Can I use double masks for more protection?
If using an N95 mask is not practicable, the CDC recommends placing a surgical mask under a fabric mask to provide additional protection.
“The best protection is to be vaccinated and boosted, as well as to wear an N95 or KN95. If that isn’t an option, double the surgical mask “Poland stated.
“If that isn’t possible, a surgical or fabric mask with a face shield will suffice. If that isn’t possible, then wear as many layers of a fabric mask as you can,” Poland continued, adding, “If that isn’t doable, then you’re just playing Russian roulette.”, here again, would like to say “Any mask is better than no mask”.
What are Key steps to follow to protect me and my family from Covid-19?
CDC Recommends,
- Get Vaccinated, If eligible for a Booster shot get one.
- Wear a most protective mask.
- Maintain social distancing.
- Avoid crowds.
- Avoid unnecessary travel, Domestic/International, if it is necessary to travel read CDC travel guidelines.
- Wash your hands with soap water or use sanitizer.
- Take covid tests and follow CDC guidelines.
Please Check here for vaccines
Check here for free at-home covid-19 tests.
