#8 N95 masks work better than surgical masks, if you wear them properly.
The N95 designation means that the masks have been certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to block out at least 95 percent of very small test particles (0.3 microns). Surgical masks are designed for a different purpose (preventing the spread of biological fluids) and do not filter out particles. But even N95 masks have to be fitted properly to reach their maximum filtration capacity. So strap on those masks when you are out on the streets!
