International health authorities recommend that people continue to wear face masks as Omicron cases rise across the globe. Masks are safe and effective at helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to health officials and fact-checkers.
What you need to know
- The World Health Organization says people should wear well-fitted masks
- Although different types of masks can reduce transmission of COVID-19 when worn correctly, some experts recommend N95 certified masks and other respirator masks (KN95) instead of cloth ones to protect against the Omicron variant. Surgical Mask is another option.
- It is possible to reuse N95 and KN95 masks safely, experts say
- Face masks do not cause hypoxia or bacterial pneumonia, according to health scientists and infection preventionists