New Swiss rule on community masks
The Swiss Standards Association (SNV), in collaboration with experts, has published a Swiss standards bulletin on so-called community masks. But the masks made of fabric still only protect the environment.
While FFP2 masks are already mandatory in some regions of Europe, fabric masks are still very popular in this country. The question always arises, Who and how well such masks protect. In the meantime, the Swiss Association for Standardization (SNV), in collaboration with experts, issued a normative document at the end of November to define basic requirements for so-called community masks and their test procedures.
The Swiss rule is "SNR 30000:2021 Community masks - Basic requirements and test methods". and concretizes the recommendations of the Swiss Covid Task Force with the natural requirements for community masks in terms of splash/drop resistance, filtration efficiency and breathing resistance. At the European level, work is already underway on such a standardization sheet, for which the SNV narrative now represents a "solid basic document".
Community masks that meet the requirements of SNR 30000 may thus be identified by the manufacturer as a self-declaration. The packaging may now say, for example: "The community mask meets the requirements of SNR 30000".
According to the SNV, community masks have a similarly high filtering performance as the hygiene masks. However, both mask types mainly protect the environment and less the wearers themselves. Those who want even greater protection against corona infection should opt for an FFP2 mask. But even in this case, it is important that the mask covers the nose, mouth and chin and closes at the cheeks.
Source: SNV
