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Why cloth face masks are no match for Omicron
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Cloth masks worn by millions of Australians may not be protecting them adequately against the highly transmissible Omicron variant, health experts have warned.
As the Omicron wave surges across the globe, the US Centres for Disease Control is looking at whether it should upgrade its recommendations to N95 masks to fight the fast-moving variant.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, PPE shortages for healthcare staff meant P2 and N95 masks were not recommended for the public, who were urged to use surgical and cloth masks instead.
However as infection rates soar and hospitals struggle, many experts are now saying cloth masks are ineffective against the highly transmissible variant.
 P2 and N95 masks are used by doctors, nurses and people in high-risk settings. They have a better filtration and prevent particles being breathed in or out. Duke University research found N95 masks were 99 per cent effective in blocking respiratory droplets.
For several weeks, US experts have been warning cloth masks can't cut it against Omicron, including Leana Wen from George Washington University’s Milken Institute of Public Health.
"We need to be wearing at least a three-ply surgical mask. You can wear a cloth mask on top of that, but do not just wear a cloth mask alone. Cloth masks are little more than facial decorations. There’s no place for them in light of Omicron."
Leana Wen, Milken Institute of Public Health
Experts say the gold standard protection against airborne particles is an N95 or P2 mask, which are available from hardware stores, safety suppliers, Officeworks and some chemists.  
"Disposable P2/N95 face masks are able to filter out very fine particles from the air when worn correctly.They help reduce exposure to bushfire smoke / poor air quality and associated health effects."
NSW Health
In Australia, the health advice remains that people should have three doses of a Covid-19 vaccine and wear a well-fitted mask when around others.  
The Australian Department of Health website says cloth mask guidelines are currently under review. The following are the masks most used in Australia.
Three-layer masks are best with a fluid-repellant layer on the outside. Cloth masks must fit correctly, with no gaps at the side, nose or around the chin. Thick, densely woven cottons are the best materials.
Cloth masks
Multi-layered medical grade surgical masks are fluid resistant and provide protection from larger respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Primarily they help the wearer from spreading infectious droplets. Make sure they fit well. 
Surgical masks
Generally reserved for healthcare workers and first responders. Must be certified to Australian standards (the TGA has a list it approved products here). Take time to correctly identify the size and style suitable for your face.
Professional respirators
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