#16 – Masks Revisited: Omicron Update by Small Biz Safety Podcast published on 2022-01-25T19:21:28Z As the Omicron variant continues to spread, we welcome back WSPS ‘mask guru’ Wagish Yajaman to help us better understand current masking recommendations. Note: This episode was recorded on January 19, 2022. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health unit to confirm up-to-date prevention measures that are in place in your area. RESOURCES Remember Wagish’s ‘mask guru’ mantra: fit, filtration and comfort! • N95, medical or cloth face masks: Which is best against the Omicron COVID-19 variant? Canada’s latest guidance explained - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-n95-face-masks-guidelines-canada-covid-19-omicron-explained/ • CDC urges Americans to wear most-protective mask or respirator that fits well and that they'll wear consistently - https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/14/health/cdc-mask-guidelines/index.html • Types of Masks and Respirators - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html • N95, KN95 or KF94? How to Find the Right Covid Mask - https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-masks.html • Time to upgrade from cloth and surgical masks to respirators? Your questions answered - https://theconversation.com/time-to-upgrade-from-cloth-and-surgical-masks-to-respirators-your-questions-answered-174877 • COVID mask guide: As omicron surges, N95 and KN95 are safer than cloth - https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/01/07/omicron-mask-upgrade-guide-how-n-95-and-kn-95-protect-you-better-than-cloth/9129901002/ • Why You Should Upgrade Your Face Mask to an N95 - https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/12/why-you-should-upgrade-your-face-mask-to-an-n95.html • Get the Most Out of Masking - https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Get-the-Most-out-of-Masking.aspx • Colorado State University professor: How to perform leak test on masks - https://uw-media.coloradoan.com/embed/video/6533993001?placement=snow-embed • N95 Fit Testing FAQs – can you do it yourself? – https://www.safetyfirsttraining.ca/respirator-mask-fit-testing-faqs/ • The Evolution of Masking - The Agenda - https://youtu.be/RhOBUNes2rg • 3M 9205+ N95 Made in Canada - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36JKcJ5eawE • 3M™ FT-10 and 3M™ FT-30 Qualitative Fit Testing Kits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PthSES4O9d8 • Ontario Providing Supports for Small Businesses, Workers and Families – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PthSES4O9d8 Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services • Looking for Small Biz resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre • Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Duty Consultant by email dutyconsultant@wsps.ca or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777). • Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Contact smallbizsafety@wsps.ca Follow WSPS on social media • Twitter: https://twitter.com/WSPS_NEWS • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsps.news • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workplace-safety-&-prevention-services • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WSPSpromo