https://dailycollegian.com/2022/03/kn95s-are-the-solution-to-the-mask-debate/

This opinion article written by Julia Oktay discusses the current guidelines at UMass Amherst regarding COVID face masks. Recently, mask restrictions in Massachusetts have been lifted for individuals who are vaccinated, and the same goes for K-12 schools, along with UMass Lowell and UMass Dartmouth. On the other hand, UMass Amherst has conveyed to the students that they plan on keeping the mandate in place as they continue to monitor the situation. Both students and faculty are divided on the topic, but Oktay presents an argument that could be fair to both sides. Oktay argues that the higher grade face masks such as KN95s and N95s not only block the particles one breathes out, but prevents individuals from breathing them in as well. This means that they stop the wearer from spreading COVID and from getting COVID. Oktay believes that because these higher grade masks are now accessible, and a majority of the UMass Amherst population is fully vaccinated, that the school should lift it’s mandate, and those who do not feel comfortable with this can wear KN95s for full protection against the virus.