FFP2 respiratory protective devices in the general population to fight against the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in relation to the emergence of the Omicron variant In this statement, the French High Council for Public Health or HCSP examines the strategies for indicating the use of FFP2-type respirator protective devices (RPE) in the general population or in populations at risk, as part of the fight against the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the context of the emergence of the Omicron variant. It specifies, in a supplement sent to the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) on 7 January 2022, (updated on 15 January 2022), that the correct wearing of FFP2-type respirators is essential. The HCSP takes into account that : The effectiveness and protective performance (filtration) of masks, whatever they may be, are closely dependent on the constancy of wear, the fit to the face and the quality of wear covering the nose, mouth and chin imperatively; The mask alone cannot completely stop the risk of transmission; it is one of the protective measures to be respected (vaccination, hand hygiene, ventilation of premises, social distancing, etc.). The HCSP stresses the high level of uncertainty and lack of scientific data on several important aspects of the analysis of the benefit/risk ratio in favour of extending the use of FFP2-type respirators in the general population. The HCSP defines 4 possible scenarios relating to the indications for wearing FFP2-type respirators in the general population. In a supplement sent to the DGS on 7 January 2022, (updated on 15 January 2022), it specifies that the correct wearing of FFP2 type respirators in the general population may be indicated for people at risk of severe forms of Covid-19 and who have failed immunosuppression vaccination, and who are able to tolerate it, on medical advice. This recommendation must be accompanied by specific training on the characteristics, performance and correct wearing of FFP2-type respirators, in particular the adaptation to the size and morphology of the face of the persons concerned. The HCSP also specifies, on this occasion, its recommendations concerning the school and university environment. Lire en français : Appareils de protection respiratoire de type FFP2 en population générale dans le cadre de la lutte contre la propagation du virus SARS-CoV-2 en rapport avec l'émergence du variant Omicron du 23 décembre 2021