Nasal mucosa is much more susceptible than oral mucosa to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants: wearing nasal masks where facial masks cannot be used.

we analyzed airway tissue tropism of SARS-CoV-2 and found that the nasal mucosa is much more susceptible than oral mucosa to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and subvariants, suggesting the importance of protecting nasal epithelium from Omicron variant infection. We have designed a bifunctional mask that can be used as a facial mask under regular conditions and a nasal mask in some settings (e.g., eating and drinking) where facial mask cannot be used This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.