With the rise of the highly contagious Omicron variant of Covid-19, there has been an increased call for better quality masks. With so many options to choose from it can be hard to know what to look for in a mask. The following is a breakdown of the various types and the benefits and disadvantages of each.

NIOSH Approved Respirators

Respirators that are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) meet rigorous US standards. The most common of these is the N95, but others include N99, N100, P99, P100, R95, R99, and R100. Some of those listed may offer even better protection than an N95. When in short supply, as was the case at the start of the pandemic, it is recommended that these types of respirators be prioritized for healthcare workers. N95s are, however, widely available as of the start of 2022.

Note that true NIOSH approved masks will include an approval label that can be found either on the box or in the instructions. There will also be an abbreviated approval marking on the mask.

Fit and filtration are of the utmost importance when selecting a mask or respirator. When fitting properly, N95s filter up to 95 percent of particles in the air. A video demonstrating how to ensure a proper fit can be found at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzpz5fko-fg. While one of the safest options available, they are not meant to be reused and can be costly. Some experts recommend that for those wishing to reuse their N95, they place it in an open paper bag and allow it to air out for at least a week before reusing.

It should be noted that respirators of this nature can generally not be found in children’s sizes as they were created for adult-use in specific fields.

Internationally Approved Respirators

The most common form of an internationally approved respirator is a KN95. While both N95 and KN95 masks purport to filter up to 95 percent of particles from the air, the biggest difference is how they are certified. The N95 is the US standard and the KN95 is the Chinese one. Like their KN95 counterpart, a KF94 respirator meets South Korean standards and an FFP2 Europe’s.

The CDC estimates that approximately 60 percent of KN95 masks on the market are counterfeit. The following link allows users to see if the manufacturer of their KN95 is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfrl/rl.cfm. There are helpful lists on the FDA website as well including which manufacturers were granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in a healthcare setting.

There are a number of KN95 masks available in children’s sizes through retailers such as Amazon though it would be wise for consumers to do their due diligence in ensuring that they aren’t spending their money on counterfeit ones.

Surgical Masks

While not as effective as authentic N95s or KN95s, disposable or surgical masks, which are made from multiple non-woven layers, still offer protection. Like all masks or respirators, the fit is vital. The mask should fit snugly and should cover both the nose and the mouth completely. Masks with nose wires allow the users to customize them for a better fit. The CDC also recommends that wearers fold and tuck in unnecessary material under the edges. Videos on how to do so can be found online.

Cloth Masks

Two years into the pandemic, the variety of options for cloth masks seems infinite. Things to look for in a cloth mask include multiple layers of tightly woven breathable fabric, a nose wire, and a proper fit. Things to avoid in a cloth mask include a single layer fabric that does not block light, exhalation valves or vents, and an ill fit.

In general, the percentage of particles filtered by both surgical and cloth masks differ depending what source you look at though they are always significantly less than both KN95 and N95 respirators. While the quality of cloth masks also varies greatly, it is generally presumed that surgical masks offer better protection. It is sometimes recommended that those without access to KN95 or N95 masks layer a cloth mask over the top of a surgical mask for a better fit.

While many users prefer the comfort and cost savings of a cloth mask, some experts warn that cloth masks alone offer little protection against variants such as Omicron. CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen said recently on CNN Newsroom, “Cloth masks are little more than facial decorations. There’s no place for them in light of Omicron.” Many hospitals require that patients and visitors swap out their masks for surgical ones.

With all of that said, any mask is preferable to none at all.

PLYMPTON – The Plympton Fire Department, Plympton Police Department and Plympton Highway Department have teamed up to deliver free buckets of salt and sand to senior citizens in town to try and prevent slips and falls on the ice this winter.

The five-gallon buckets were donated by the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Kingston and are filled with a mix of salt and sand from the town’s highway department for the residents to use at their homes on their steps, walkways and driveways during the winter months.

“When we go to the homes, we also talk to the senior citizens about the dangers of ice during the winter and other possible fire safety issues in their homes, such as working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” Captain John Sjostedt said.

While making a delivery on Friday, Captain Sjostedt learned a resident hadn’t replaced their smoke alarms in more than a decade. The firefighters will be returning to the home within the next couple of days to replace the resident’s smoke alarms with new ones free of charge.

Any senior citizen who lives in Plympton and would like a bucket of salt and sand can call the fire department at 781-585-0783 to arrange for a delivery.

PLYMPTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

3 PALMER ROAD

PLYMPTON, MA 02367

781-585-2633

The pandemic-delayed Boy Scout Eagle Court of Honor ceremony was held Saturday, Nov. 27, in the Town Hall Great Room.  Nine Halifax scouts received the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America program, the long journey of earning badges culminating with a service project that they themselves organize.   The formal ceremony, led by Scoutmaster Peter Burgess, included presentations, pledges, and citation, was also attended by Halifax selectmen and State Representative Kathy LaNatra.

Text and photos by Marla Webby

Linda Redding
Special to the Express

Members of the Second Chapters Book Club met at the Holmes Public Library on Nov. 18  to discuss the thriller “Paranoids” by Lisa Jackson.  Librarian Lynnette Toohey led the group in discussion. .

Second Chapters is a cooperative book club between the Holmes Public Library and the Halifax Council on Aging.  Meetings usually take place at 2 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month in the community room of the Holmes Public Library.  Due to the Christmas holiday the December meeting will be held on Dec. 9.   Discussion will center on “Silent Night” by Robert B. Parker with Helen Brann.  This Spenser for hire mystery takes place in Boston around the Christmas holiday. The book was started by Parker before his death in 2010. Parker’s longtime agent Helen Brann completed the novel.  Copies of the book in various formats are available through the Holmes Public Library.

In addition to Second Chapters, The Holmes Public Library hosts three other adult books clubs scheduled with meeting choices of afternoon or evening.  One of the book clubs is focused on nonfiction. Call the library at 781-293-2271 for more information or visit the library website at holmespubliclibrary.org

A wide variety of seasonal favorites and new musical experiences are the features of this year’s Holiday Pops with the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Steven Karidoyanes.

“We are thrilled to again present our joy-filled Holiday Pops in person to our friends and family!” exclaimed Karidoyanes. “To make this season’s program extra special, we’ve invited back guest performers who have entertained and charmed us in previous holiday concerts. I can’t wait until we’re all together!”

The Phil performs Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, famously from the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes’ annual Christmas Spectacular, music from the 1994 remake of the classic holiday film, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Rockin’ Christmas, a medley featuring Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Jingle Bell Rock.

Soprano Kristen Watson and tenor Matthew Anderson, who each have been featured separately to great acclaim in previous Holiday Pops, join forces this season as duo artists. They’ll perform with the orchestra selections from Irving Berlin’s Broadway musical White Christmas, inspired by the 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.

Also rejoining the orchestra are the talented young choristers from the Plymouth Community Intermediate School (PCIS) 6th Grade Chorus and their director, Jessica Fuller. They add their own spin on music from stage and screen when they sing Somewhere In My Memory by John Williams from the film score to Home Alone, and We Need a Little Christmas from the Broadway musical Mame.

As in previous seasons of Holiday Pops concerts, all are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to contribute. Collection bins will be located outside Memorial Hall for patrons to deposit on their way into the concert hall. Collected toys will be distributed to deserving families by the Children’s Holiday Fund, sponsored by the Old Colony Memorial and administered by the Plymouth Area Coalition.

There are two performances on Saturday, December 11th at 3 PM and 7:30 PM, and a 3 PM concert on Sunday afternoon, December 12th. All three weekend performances are in Plymouth’s Memorial Hall and include the PCIS 6th Grade Chorus, Ms. Watson, Mr. Anderson, and the orchestra.

Newfield House is the Pops series sponsor. The media sponsors are the Wicked Local, Old Colony Memorial, and WATD 95.9 FM. The Phil’s 106th season is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which received support from the State of Massachusetts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tickets are now on sale. Memorial Hall is fully accessible. Individual ticket prices are $25, $50, $60. Limited cabaret-style table seating is still available for $100 per ticket. Advance tickets may be purchased online at plymouthphil.org or calling the Phil office at 508-746-8008.

Memorial Hall is located on 83 Court Street/Route 3A, Plymouth, MA.

For more information about the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra’s 106th Season, visit www.plymouthphil.org