With the coronavirus pandemic, is there any reason for the general public not to wear r95 masks? i understand that n95 masks should be reserved for healthcare personnel. but what about r95 masks?

Face masks: The R95 mask filters the same 95% of particles as the N95, but the R has better activity against oily particles. If a health care worker can have access to an R95 mask, they could use it in the current pandemic.

Equivalent for covid: The designation is defined by the certifying agencies. N95 or R95 masks protect against 95% of particulate material & would both be considered equivalent for covid. The R95 resist oil aerosols that N95 does not & that makes them more expensive. Masks are unlikely to protect anyone that does not use them properly. Simple face masks cut the spread of covid to uninfected people.