Where to buy N95 masks as Delta variant spreads, plus at

Aug 03, 2023

Below is a roundup of items you can buy now to help protect yourself from the Delta variant. Special to cleveland.com

The Delta variant is not only twice as contagious as previous variants, but the rate of hospitalization is about double that of the Alpha variant, according to a study out of Scotland.

Now that the variant is the predominate strain of the coronavirus in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidance, recommending everyone -- vaccinated or not -- wear a mask in public indoor places in areas of substantial or high transmission.

Masks are now recommended in a whopping 90% of U.S. counties.

With more people walking around with the virus and more places mandating masks once again, many Americans are on the hunt for tests and masks, including N95 respirators that filter 95% of large and small particles in the air.

Below is a comprehensive list of where you can find N95 masks online now, as well as FDA-authorized COVID-19 rapid tests that give results in the comfort of your home in as few as 10 minutes.

Photo courtesy of n95medicalsupplies.com

This lightweight soft shell mask is made of multiple layers of synthetic polymer fabric, forming an inner filtration. It's also made right here in Ohio.

n95medicalsupplies.com $59.99 (for 20-pack)

Photo courtesy of n95medicalsupplies.com.

This mask, also made in Ohio, filters at least 95% airborne particles and is perfect for those who prefer a hard outer shell.

n95medicalsupplies.com $69.99 (for 25-pack)

Photo courtesy of n95masksupplies.com.

For adults with a smaller face, this mask will provide a perfect fit, which is important for maximum efficiency.

n95medicalsupplies.com $69.99 (for 25-pack)

Photo courtesy of n95maskco.com.

These NIOSH-approved masks have head and neck loops for comfort, a cup-style design for good fit and flexibility for easy storage.

n95maskco.com $179 (for 20-pack)

Photo courtesy of Sears.

With a rigid outer shell, this mask was designed for humid or moist environments. As a NIOSH-approved mask, it can fit adults or children.

Sears $39.95 (for 20-pack)

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Featuring an adjustable nose clip, two-strap attachment and eyewear-compatible design, this NIOSH-approved mask is worth your consideration.

Amazon $26.25 (20-pack)

Photo courtesy of Sears.

For a NIOSH-certified N95 face, mask look no further than this option. Each mask is lightweight, flexible and features two cloth straps.

Sears $44.95 (for 20-pack)

Photo courtesy of Walmart.

Of the nine FDA authorized COVID-19 tests, three are BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, available as over the counter, prescription and proctor supervised, which provide results in 15 minutes. (2-pack)

Walgreens $23.99 | Walmart $19.88 | CVS $23.99 | Amazon $19.88

Photo courtesy of Walmart.

The Ellume rapid test was the first at-home test to be granted emergency authorization by the FDA. The 15-minute nasal swab test is widely available as well.

Walmart $34.98 | CVS $34.99 | Target $34.99 | Amazon $38.99

Photo courtesy of Walmart.

Both the prescription and over-the-counter versions of the 10-minute QuickVue at-home COVID-19 tests have received FDA authorization. (2-pack)

Walgreens $23.99 | Walmart $24.95 | Amazon $24.99

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