Why most N95 masks do not satisfy Austria’s tightened mask requirement?
Despite offering a similar degree of protection, N95 masks do not satisfy Austria’s new FFP2 mask requirements.
As of Monday, January 25th, FFP2 masks will be required in all retail shops and supermarkets, along with public transport throughout Austria.
Long-distance trains will also require FFP2 masks, as will doctors surgeries, airports and aeroplanes.
FFP2 masks have been chosen as they offer a greater amount of protection
Anyone who fails to wear a mask in a long-distance train in Austria will risk a fine of 40 euros.
READ MORE: FFP2 masks to be mandatory in public transport and shops
While the FFP2 masks have been chosen because they offer a greater degree of protection, N95 masks - which offer a similar high level of protection - cannot be worn on public transport, in supermarkets and elsewhere because they have not been certified by European authorities.
Austria’s Kurier newspaper confirmed that the masks, sometimes known as N95 of KN95, will not meet the requirements where FFP2 masks are required, unless they are certified.
READ MORE: How much will mandatory FFP2 masks cost in Austria?
The Austrian Ministry of Health told Kurier that even if they are similar quality they will not satisfy the requirement.
“If they really comply with this standard, then these masks should be of similar quality to the European FFP2 masks,” a spokesperson said.
“However, since they are not subject to a European standard, there is no European quality control on them.
“So they may not have been tested and are therefore legally to be judged only as basic mouth-nose protection.”
EXPLAINED: Why is Austria making FFP2 masks mandatory?
The spokesperson did say that some N95 masks have been certified and therefore will be allowed.
https://kurier.at/wissen/gesundheit/corona-kn95-masken-sind-kein-ersatz-fuer-ffp2/401167215
In order to be sufficient, the CE mark with a four-digit identification number should be visible on the mask.
In addition, the FFP protection level and the manufacturers name must be visible.
Bitte diese "KN95-Masken sind nicht als FFP2-Masken zugelassen Geschichte" NICHT teilen. Sie entspricht nicht der Wahrheit. Bitte stattdessen kurz diesen Thread lesen (1/4)
— Daniel Böhm (@daniiiielb) January 25, 2021
See Also
As of Monday, January 25th, FFP2 masks will be required in all retail shops and supermarkets, along with public transport throughout Austria.
Long-distance trains will also require FFP2 masks, as will doctors surgeries, airports and aeroplanes.
FFP2 masks have been chosen as they offer a greater amount of protection
Anyone who fails to wear a mask in a long-distance train in Austria will risk a fine of 40 euros.
READ MORE: FFP2 masks to be mandatory in public transport and shops
While the FFP2 masks have been chosen because they offer a greater degree of protection, N95 masks - which offer a similar high level of protection - cannot be worn on public transport, in supermarkets and elsewhere because they have not been certified by European authorities.
Austria’s Kurier newspaper confirmed that the masks, sometimes known as N95 of KN95, will not meet the requirements where FFP2 masks are required, unless they are certified.
READ MORE: How much will mandatory FFP2 masks cost in Austria?
The Austrian Ministry of Health told Kurier that even if they are similar quality they will not satisfy the requirement.
“If they really comply with this standard, then these masks should be of similar quality to the European FFP2 masks,” a spokesperson said.
“However, since they are not subject to a European standard, there is no European quality control on them.
“So they may not have been tested and are therefore legally to be judged only as basic mouth-nose protection.”
EXPLAINED: Why is Austria making FFP2 masks mandatory?
The spokesperson did say that some N95 masks have been certified and therefore will be allowed.
https://kurier.at/wissen/gesundheit/corona-kn95-masken-sind-kein-ersatz-fuer-ffp2/401167215
In order to be sufficient, the CE mark with a four-digit identification number should be visible on the mask.
In addition, the FFP protection level and the manufacturers name must be visible.
Bitte diese "KN95-Masken sind nicht als FFP2-Masken zugelassen Geschichte" NICHT teilen. Sie entspricht nicht der Wahrheit. Bitte stattdessen kurz diesen Thread lesen (1/4)
— Daniel Böhm (@daniiiielb) January 25, 2021
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