Coronavirus: Time for N95 Masks?

With the potential that the delta variant is reducing the efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine, might vaccinated people want to consider wearing N95 masks? Should non-vaccinated people definitely shift to N95 masks?

The Washington Post (Jul 24) reports:

"Delta is so contagious that when we talk about masks, I don't think we should just talk about masks," Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said during a recent appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation." "I think we should be talking about high-quality masks," such as N95 respirators.

. . . [Chris Cappa, an environmental engineer and professor at the University of California at Davis] recommended that vaccinated, low-risk individuals make decisions about upgrading their masks based on situational factors. Keep in mind, he said, that the longer you're in an enclosed space in proximity to other people, the more your odds of catching something go up. Community rates of transmission and hospitalizations should also be considered.

So Google states that an environmental engineer works on designing water supply systems. Does this really qualify someone to officially make recommendations on N95 masks? Anyways, it is interesting that the recommendation is being made for when you're going to be in an enclosed space for a long period of time (at least this is how I read it). 

Just knowing what is happening in Los Angeles, I can say that very few people are wearing N95 masks. And even though there is a mask mandate, it isn't always being followed inside bars and other such entertainment venues. Sure, you can't wear a mask and drink at the same time, but my sense is that masks are being worn as people enter a location and then as soon as the first drink is ordered the mask is removed and never returned to cover the face.