should the FFP2 mask be imposed?

Whether in transport, the streets or in the markets, the FFP2 mask is replacing the surgical mask more and more often, for several reasons. A passerby interviewed explains that he “adapts better to the face, the air does not pass and in addition it does not fog my glasses”. Despite being five times more expensive than surgical masks, they are sometimes out of stock in some pharmacies. Sales have quadrupled since the holiday season.

A study claims that if two people wearing a surgical mask discuss and one of them is positive for Covid-19, the maximum risk of infection is 30%. With an FFP2 mask, the risk drops to 0.4%. Some countries have already imposed the FFP2 mask, like Italy. In France, the government has not yet considered that this type of mask should be generalized rather than others. In the event of a change in strategy, the executive ensures that there would be no risk of a shortage. The state’s strategic stock has 600 million masks. Factories can produce 20 to 25 million per week.

World article

PNAS study on the efficacy of FFP2

Professor Didier Lepelletier is public health doctor and specialist in infection prevention and control, university professor, hospital practitioner, head of the hospital hygiene service at Nantes University Hospital, and deputy head of PHU 11 (Public health, Pharmacy, Prevention). He is a member of the High Council for Public Health.

General Directorate of Health.
Ministry responsible for industry.

Non-exhaustive list.