News is breaking globally of the different variants being discovered and news from Europe and African countries that our home-made masks or alternative face coverings may not be up to snuff. There is news that B. 1.1.7. is already in Canada and other variants are being tracked across the globe. The concern here at home is that the new strain is up to 56% more transmissible and we may need to level up our protection.

We are all becoming COVID exhausted and these new strains are appearing to be more contagious and able to spread faster than the COVID 19 we're currently dealing with. We know more now than ever before and have locally (Windsor) just come out from one of the worst outbreaks and community spread events since this started just over a year ago (Patient zero was discovered in Canada on Jan. 23^rd, 2020).

It is being reported that the masks people are wearing do not seem to be adequate enough. NIOSH, ASTM, ANSI, and CSA are all standard setting bodies that have specific requirements on how a mask needs to perform in order for it to be certified to protect a wearer. Penetration, Filtration, Fluid resistance all need to be met in order to receive designation.  

Neck gators, scarves and other materials that are being used to cover the face are a “better than nothing” attempt to comply with current CDC, Health Canada and Public Health guidelines but are actually doing little to protect the wearer and those around them. Unless the neck gator you bought off the internet was tested to a standard, you may be shocked to find it does nothing but cause you to get a rash and maybe overheat but will do little to protect you and your loved ones from COVID. Masks that are constructed to the above standard guidelines are designed to protect the wearer and those around them. If you must go out, wear a mask and wear one that is certified. We have them in stock, click here.

We hope this quick blog was informative for you! If you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Stay Safe Canada!

- Mike M

PPE Online

For more information take a look at this detailed article by CBC here.