KN95 Mask
 

Seems the CDC has rejected the use of KN95 masks, which are exclusively made in CHINA..

If you look on Amazon that's about all you will find..

[quoe]
China responds to U.S. rejecting entry of KN95 masks
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-01 21:48:37|Editor: huaxia

China said it is not aware of the reason behind the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's rejection of Chinese-made KN95 masks, a Chinese alternative to N95 masks.

BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Certification standards of medical supplies could vary in different countries and regions, but this should not stem cooperation to fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a foreign ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a press briefing in response to reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected KN95 masks, a Chinese alternative to N95 masks, from entering the United States.

"I'm not aware of the specifics," said Hua, adding that she did not know why the United States made the decision.

As masks and respirators are in great demand by many countries including China, many Chinese companies are working around the clock to produce these medical supplies, said Hua, adding that while meeting domestic demands, these products will reinforce other countries' fight against COVID-19.


http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/202..._138938746.htm
[/quote]

Unsurprising:


From the FT March 29

N95 and N99 face masks only filter 0.3 microns and larger (N99 having only a larger capacity)...coronavirus at it's largest measures 0.14 microns...the virus itself has no trouble passing through those masks. Another FYI - influenza measures 0.17 microns. These masks are designed to keep out large particles of dust and things like TB or anthrax.

You are making the assumption the virus is floating out there by itself.
That is NOT correct, the virus is carried in droplets (water/mucus). Droplets are often defined as being larger than 5 microns in diameter, and forming a direct spray that is propelled by cough or sneeze up to 2 meters away from the source patient.

That is the reason for social distancing and why regular surgical masks (in general) are sufficient for protection.

Cotton masks protect the other people around you and that is why the new recommendation from the CDC (several weeks late in my opinion) is for everyone to wear masks in public.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019...ace-cover.html

No, I fully understand the virus has to attach to droplets in the air - hence why it's not an airborne virus. If you are SICK or have been around someone who is sick, you should probably wear a surgical type mask that will catch your respiratory droplets to avoid infecting others. A sneeze or cough without the mask can stay in the air for up to 72 hrs before landing on a surface - which is why we wash our hands like normal healthy humans.

The virus can still penetrate through N95 and N99 masks, albeit difficult, about 70% effective.

Is it safer than nothing? Sure. Is it guaranteed? No.

Stay healthy, wash your hands, and don't cough in my face - just like a normal respectful human.

Doc
I am out on a bright sunny day at the park. I sneeze.

Hypothetical question: How far can the droplets travel when a good breeze catches them?

I ask as my daughter and family live in London UK and 150 yds from their front porch is a nice park(56 acres). Mainly open soccer pitches..

They are doing their best to isolate, but the dog's gotta poop and the 5 & 8 yo's need fresh air to burn off energy. Today, they said there were less than 20 people there..

Concerned crumugion.. :munchin

Thats a GREAT question and they are researching it and discussing that question in very technical details on some medical sites.
2 meters regular cough in a still room and 3 hours before it all hits the floor.
27 meters is the longest with a sneeze and no wind, with a wind it is anyones guess at this time.