Wear double masks amid Omicron threat

Health experts have advised the public to wear a surgical mask beneath a cloth mask amid the threat of the more transmissible Omicron variant.

Dr. Edsel Salvana of the Department of Health-Technical Advisory Group said cloth masks alone were no longer sufficient due to the high viral load of Omicron.

“At the very least, a surgical mask is in order. You can combine a surgical mask with a cloth mask to improve the fit. But don’t wear two surgical masks,” Salvana said.

Salvana also recommended the use of the KN95 or the N95 masks.