{"id":2962,"date":"2020-04-22T11:53:55","date_gmt":"2020-04-22T16:53:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mnrtap.us\/?p=2962"},"modified":"2020-06-12T09:19:42","modified_gmt":"2020-06-12T14:19:42","slug":"use-of-face-covering-and-gloves-in-the-transit-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mnrtap.us\/use-of-face-covering-and-gloves-in-the-transit-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Using Face Covering and Gloves in the Transit Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tips for Using Face Covering and Gloves in the Transit Industry<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This document includes recommendations and guidance on mask use for drivers and passengers during the COVID-19 national emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a N95 mask?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across the globe, N95 masks — considered the gold standard of respirator masks — are in short supply. These masks, which filter out at least 95% of very small particles from the air, are a crucial piece of equipment for doctors and nurses treating the tens of thousands of coronavirus-infected patients in the United States. N95 masks are tested and certified as respirators by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a research agency that is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is a N95 mask different from a KN95 mask?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The N95 and KN95 are both respiratory protective face masks with filtration efficiency of at least 95%. They are almost identical in performance, with only very slight differences in their specifications. Like a variation in the maximum pressure the masks must be able to withstand as a person inhales and exhales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it OK for transit workers to use KN95 masks?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the shortage of the NIOSH-approved N95 masks, on April 3, 2020, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for KN95 masks (including those manufactured in China), which makes KN95 respirators eligible for authorization if certain criteria are met, including evidence demonstrating that the respirator meets certain standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To preserve the short supply of NIOSH-approved N95 masks for medical personnel, other essential workers who may be in close contact with the public (such as public transit workers) are being encouraged to utilize KN95 masks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as a KN95 mask has met certain criteria and has documentation that it is authentic and not counterfeited, the FDA has stated that for the duration of the pandemic, when FDA-cleared or NIOSH-approved N95 respirators are not available, the use of KN95 respirators are acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do you need to wear a cloth face covering?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In light of new data about how COVID-19 spreads, along with evidence of widespread COVID-19 illness in communities across the country, the CDC recommends that people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth in the community setting. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When do you need to wear a cloth face covering?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A cloth face covering should be worn whenever people are in a community setting, especially in situations where you may be near people. These settings include grocery stores and pharmacies. These face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Cloth face coverings are especially important to wear in public in areas of widespread COVID-19 illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDC guidance on cloth face coverings:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following links contain detailed information from the CDC on the use of cloth face coverings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n