Question: Why are n-95 masks recommended for the care of patients with COVID19?

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control FAQs for COVID-19
section_headers: Why does CDC continue to recommend respiratory protection equivalent or higher to the level provided by an N95 disposable filtering facepiece respirator for care of patients with known or suspected COVID-19?
section_content: CDC’s guidance to use NIOSH-approved N95 disposable filtering facepiece or
higher level respirators when providing care for patients with suspected or
known COVID-19 is based on the current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and related
respiratory viruses.
Current data suggest that close-range aerosol transmission by droplet and
inhalation, and contact followed by self-delivery to the eyes, nose, or mouth
are likely routes of transmission. Long-range aerosol transmission, such as is
seen with measles, has not been a feature of SARS-CoV-2.
Potential routes of close-range transmission include splashes and sprays of
infectious material onto mucous membranes and inhalation of infectious virions
exhaled by an infected person. The relative contribution of each of these is
not known for SARS-Co-V-2.
Facemasks commonly used during surgical procedures will provide barrier
protection against droplet sprays contacting mucous membranes of the nose and
mouth, but they are not designed to protect wearers from inhaling small
particles. N95 and higher level respirators, such as other disposable
filtering facepiece respirators, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs),
and elastomeric respirators, provide both barrier and respiratory protection
because of their tight fit and filtration characteristics.
Respirators should be used as part of a respiratory protection program that
provides staff with medical evaluations, training, and fit testing.
Although facemasks are routinely used for the care of patients with common
viral respiratory infections, N95 or higher level respirators are routinely
recommended for emerging pathogens like SARS CoV-2, which have the potential
for transmission via small particles, the ability to cause severe infections,
and no specific treatments or vaccines.
CDC recommendations acknowledge the current challenges with limited supplies
of N95s and other respirators. Facilities that do not have sufficient supplies
of N95s and other respirators for all patient care should prioritize their use
for activities and procedures that pose high risks of generating infectious
aerosols and use facemasks for care that does not involve those activities or
procedures. Detailed strategies for optimizing the supply of N95
respirators are
available on the CDC website. Once availability of supplies is reestablished,
the guidance states that the use of N95 and higher level respirators should
resume.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Discusses in detail why masks are protective and N95 masks are especially effective.
This answers the question directly. This answer provides comprehensive information of why N95 respirators or higher level respirators are recommended when caring for patients with Covid-19.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
section_headers: Treatment and Management
How are COVID-19 patients treated?
section_content: Not all patients with COVID-19 will require medical supportive care. Clinical
management for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is focused on supportive
care for complications, including supplemental oxygen and advanced organ
support for respiratory failure, septic shock, and multi-organ failure.
Empiric testing and treatment for other viral or bacterial etiologies may be
warranted.
Corticosteroids are not routinely recommended for treatment of viral
pneumonia or ARDS, due to the potential for prolonging viral replication, as
has been observed with MERS coronavirus and influenza. Corticosteroids should
be avoided unless they are indicated for another reason (e.g., COPD
exacerbation or refractory septic shock following the Surviving Sepsis
Campaign Guidelinesexternal iconexternal
icon).
For information on investigational therapies, see Therapeutic Options for
Patients with COVID-19.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Does not mention masks at all, instead focusing on treatment options.
This answer is irrelevant to the question. This answer provides information about the supportive care and Corticosteroids treatment for people hospitalized with Covid-19. It does not provide any information on why N95 masks are recommended when caring for patients with Covid-19.

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Bad

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Cloth Face Coverings: Questions and Answers
section_headers: Why is CDC recommending cloth face coverings instead of medical grade facemasks?
section_content: Surgical masks and N95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved
for healthcare workers or other medical first responders, as recommended by
CDC guidance.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Mentions that N95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers, but doesn't say anything about why they're necessary.
This statement does not answer the question. This statement explains the shortage of surgical masks and N95 respirators and that they should be reserved for medical first responders and healthcare worker. This does not provide any information on why N95 masks are recommended when caring for patients with Covid-19.

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Bad