Louise Sallé, edited by Manon Fossat
While France records several hundreds of thousands of contaminations per day, the Omicron variant raises the question of the generalization of the FFP2 mask, which is more effective in combating the transmission of the virus. Only, for the time being, the executive reserves it for caregivers, when the opposition calls for its part to generalize it.
The extremely contagious Omicron variant raises the question of the generalization of the FFP2 mask. Its use by the general public is recommended in many neighboring countries. But in France, the government prefers to reserve it for caregivers. However, several scientific studies have proven its effectiveness significantly higher against the transmission of the virus, compared to the surgical mask. So why is it not generalized as claimed by the right-wing opposition?
What is certain is that the FFP2 mask protects more than the surgical mask. On the one hand thanks to its double filtration, both internal and external. This allows it to be effective for eight hours, compared to four for the surgical mask. On the other hand, it adheres to the face thanks to its duckbill shape, which perfectly covers the nose and mouth. No piece of fabric folds, and therefore leaves no empty space on the sides of the face.
Scientists have also shown that two people wearing FFP2 masks, who discuss with each other, have a 0.4% chance of transmitting the virus, against 30% for the surgical mask.
A difficult mask to wear
However, the FFP2 mask only protects against the virus if it is worn properly. This can be difficult, since it is physically inconvenient and interferes with breathing. The major disadvantage, finally, of this mask, remains its price. It costs about five times more than a surgical mask (0.50 € against 0.10 € per unit).