Workplace safety officials dispute CDC committee’s advice on N95 masks

Occupational safety officials are urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention not to take its committee’s advice on infection control guidelines in health care settings, warning front-line workers may be at risk. The CDC committee in early November issued updated recommendations the CDC is considering. The advisory committee recommendations offer less protection for front-line workers in certain cases, including allowing surgical masks instead of N95s for “common, often endemic respiratory pathogens” that “spread predominately over short distances.” The guidance leaves too much room for interpretation, occupational safety officials warn, which could result in health care facilities not stockpiling sufficient N95 masks and taking steps to improve air filtration and ventilation. (KFF article, 12/14/23)