It is a weapon against the Omicron variant, Italy has even made it compulsory in many closed places and in public transport… and yet!
Faced with competition from Asia, French production of FFP2 masks has decreased by 90% compared to the end of 2020. This could change, however, as hospitals, which are big buyers, start to take into account the origin of production of the mask. , after the government issued a circular to this effect.
The sector, which was "almost at a standstill for lack of demand", now has a production capacity of around twenty million FFP2 masks per week, according to the president of the French manufacturers' union, Christian Curel, who assures that factories can adapt if necessary.
“We can build new machines, for example, to increase production capacities”, he says, as soon as the sector “fully controls production, from raw material to finished product”.
Masks up to six times more expensive
The FFP2 mask meets the European standard EN 149, corresponding in other countries to the N95 or KN95 mask. It protects the respiratory tract against fine and toxic particles, dust or certain viruses, and protects both its wearer and those around it. Shaped like a duckbill, it is made up of a face piece (half-mask or full-face mask) and a filtration device.
However, the effectiveness of a mask depends both on its filtration and its adjustment on the face of the wearer. If the surgical mask filters well, it tends to be quite loose. “The big difference between FFP2 and surgical is that the FFP2 mask is airtight. It does not allow air to pass and has a double filtration: towards the outside and towards the inside. »Another advantage: its duration of protection can go up to eight hours, against 4 hours maximum for the surgical mask.
The FFP2 mask is up to six times more expensive than a surgical mask, says Christian Curel, but the price has fallen significantly since the start of the pandemic, as Chinese producers have resumed their exports.
Conclusion: you can find FFP2 masks for around 50 to 60 cents on average, according to Christian Curel.
A price that goes down to 30 to 40 cents for wholesale orders from healthcare professionals.
Towards an FFP2 obligation?
But before a new Health Defense Council on Monday, there was no indication that the French government was considering including the obligation to wear the FFP2 mask among new anti-Covid measures.
In Italy, FFP2 masks have been compulsory since December 25 in all public transport, cinemas, theaters, museums and stadiums.
In Austria, FFP2 masks are required in closed public places, as well as in cafes or restaurants, where customers must wear their mask when not seated.
In the common areas of hotels, FFP2 are also required.
In Germany, the rules vary according to the Länder.
At the federal level, the rule is the obligation to wear a medical mask, whether FFP2 or surgical, in public transport and shops.
But some Länder impose the specific use of the FFP2 mask, such as Bavaria, or Lower Saxony (North), which extended this measure last week in shops to fight against Omicron.
