Korn Surgical Masks Sold Out Due to Coronavirus Concerns

Surgical masks are in demand, thanks to the coronavirus, and Korn has taken advantage of that opportunity. They were selling $11 black surgical masks with their logo but have since sold out.

They note -- in case anyone didn't already know all of this -- the disclaimer that "Surgical masks are not considered respirators by OSHA. They are fluid-resistant, disposable, and loose-fitting protection that create a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. They are commonly used in health care settings for the protection of the patient and they are also often used to prevent splashes from contacting the face of the wearer. However, surgical masks do not seal tightly to the wearer’s face, nor do they provide a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles or viruses."

If you're looking to avoid the coronavirus, you probably shouldn't wear Korn's mask -- or any surgical mask. Infection prevention specialist Eli Perencevich, MD, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Iowa’s College of Medicine tells Forbes that “The average healthy person does not need to have a mask, and they shouldn’t be wearing masks. There’s no evidence that wearing masks on healthy people will protect them. They wear them incorrectly, and they can increase the risk of infection because they’re touching their face more often.” Surgical masks are designed to keep germs in the mask, not keep them out, so you shouldn't wear them unless you're sick.