NPHET Suggests Higher Grade Face Masks For Better Protection

Tuesday, 11 January 2022 09:22

By Caoimhe Harney

FFP3 and FFP2 masks are recommended.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) says higher-grade face masks may offer more protection to people at greater risk of getting Covid-19.

NPHET has advised that people can choose to wear FFP3 and the slightly lower-grade FFP2 respirator or medical masks instead of cloth masks.

It says FFP2 masks should be considered by anyone who's a confirmed case, a household contact or visiting a vulnerable person.

But it's stopped short of recommending them to everyone ahead of cloth masks.

The State’s use of the higher-grade masks lags other countries such as Germany, Austria and Italy, that have introduced the use of FFP2 or equivalent masks in public spaces.

Paul Moynagh, Professor of Immunology at Maynooth University, says there's clear evidence they're a better option:

More from National News

Vacuum-Packing Machine Lid Killed Worker As Kildare Town Firm Faces Court Over Second Fatality

The court heard that on the morning of May 14th 2020, Binak Cokaj, who was working as a packer at the company’s Curragh Road facility in Kildare Town, suffered fatal head injuries when the lid of a Cryovac vacuum-packing machine closed on him while he was at work.
Water Test Failure Disrupts On-Base Military Training At Curragh Camp

While security and day-to-day operations at the camp remain unaffected, the Defence Forces say they could not continue feeding students, resulting in the temporary suspension of on-base training courses, particularly in the Military College.
Government Told Grok Clothing-Removal Feature Has Been Disabled Worldwide

Gardai are investigating the platform after it was found to have been generating and sharing sexually explicit images of people, including children.
Kildare North TD Says He Acted Immediately To Repay Pension Overpayment When It Came To Light

Audio

Speaking to Kfm News this afternoon, he said some ministers had agreed to surrender a portion of their salaries back to the State through a salary-sacrifice arrangement, with the process handled by Government payroll administrators.
Maynooth Study: Pet Loss Causes The Same Level Of Grief As Losing A Loved One

Only the death of a parent - and especially a child - resulted in higher levels of prolonged grief.
Kildare TD James Lawless Pays Back Following Pension Error While Martin Heydon Unaffected

It’s understood Kildare North TD and Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless has fully repaid an overpayment arising from incorrect pension deductions.
Up To €1,000 Available For Kildare Parent And Toddler Groups

New or standalone groups can receive up to €1,000, while groups linked to larger organisations can receive up to €800.
Driving Instructor Says Faded Road Markings In Naas Linked To Learner Drivers Failing Tests

Kildare County Council said requests for new or refreshed road markings are added to its works schedule, with repainting usually carried out during drier months.