Masks

Hi Susan,

I’m reporting about my own experiences, not any official declarations. I’m in Cortona (Tuscany), now. For more than a week, I have been wearing disposable, surgical masks. However, this morning for the first time, I was asked to change to another mask. Luckily, I had a KN95 mask with me and changed. This was a shuttle bus from town to a nearby train station. Then, on the train (Trenitalia), another passenger was made to leave the train because all they had was a disposable, surgical mask.

Sharon

KN95, N95, and FFP2 are functional equivalents:

https://www.hiberniamedical.ie/the-difference-between-n95-masks-kn95-and-ffp2-a-comprehensive-guide/

Disposable surgical masks are entirely different, and not as effective at filtration, so it is not surprising that people were asked to change if FFP2 is required. But you should be fine with KN95’s.

We have 30 new KN95s for our trip so I think we’re set. Thanks!

This is interesting because when I rode the trains in Rome and Florence last week, they were handing out the blue surgical masks to each rider. I guess the rules have changed since then. So hard to keep up!

adding a question to this post: I usually wear a certified KF94 - which is the Korean-made equivalent. It has the 'boat-style' that I like and adjusting straps to keep it close on your face. Are these acceptable?
e.g.: https://kollecteusa.com/products/blunak-kf94-black (this is not where i purchase them - just a quick link to the style.)

bean