What face coverings are recommended for use?

While all masks and respirators provide some level of protection, properly fitted respirators (such as “N95s” or “KN95s”) provide the highest level of protection. It is important to wear a highly protective mask or respirator for certain higher risk situations, or by people who are at increased risk for severe disease.

• Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection
• Layered, finely woven products offer more protection than loosely woven cloth masks
• Well-fitting, disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection.