Amazon's top rated KN95 mask is at its lowest price for Cyber Monday

WWDoll face masks are $16.77 for a pack of 25

While the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, first identified in South Africa, has begun to spread worldwide, basic advice on personal protection hasn't changed in months: It's still important to get vaccinated and to wear face masks when traveling, engaging with unvaccinated individuals, or entering enclosed spaces or crowds. Dr. Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, has warned that it's only a matter of time before the Omicron variant reaches the United States.

WWDoll face masks, which are currently $16.77 for a box of 25, have more than 43,000 ratings and an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. More importantly, they’re manufactured by Chengde Technology Co., which appears on The Centers for Disease Controls’ (CDC) whitelist of KN95 manufacturers whose masks provide more than 95% filtration in an internal study.

It's also worth noting that Amazon's other top-rated KN95, which boasts a slightly higher 4.7 out of 5 star rating, with just over 6,000 reviews, is also manufactured by Chengde. They're essentially the same mask – just in different colors and sold at a slightly higher price, in boxes of 20 for $19.88

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the Omicron variant as a "variant of concern," indicating that it is more virulent and has higher chance to evade immunity if contracted. It will take weeks before experts know if new precautions will be required.

Check out our Black Friday and Cyber Monday coverage to score early discounted gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Editor's Note: a reader pointed out that Chengde Technology Co. was cited by the CDC for using the results of the NIOSH International Respirator Request study in their marketing. While Chengde was wrong to use the study in their marketing, the fact remains that their masks passed the test, demonstrating 95.11% to 99.54% filter efficiency. The SFGate shopping team is confident recommending them as a safe and effective KN95 mask.