Last I checked in Canada, N95 masks are still about 3$ a pop for disposable, single use masks from industrial distributors. Pre pandemic, we bought 3M 8210s for about 15 cents in boxes of 160. I wouldn't call the current situation available and cheap.
Oh, and if you thought surgical masks were mildly uncomfortable, N95s are an order of magnitude worst. They pretty much need a perfect seal with your face and the 3Ms use a really tight rubber band to achieve that. 2 bands, actually.
I currently work on site and wear surgical masks all day, it's fine. Not sure I would want to do the same if it was N95s.
Oh, and if you thought surgical masks were mildly uncomfortable, N95s are an order of magnitude worst. They pretty much need a perfect seal with your face and the 3Ms use a really tight rubber band to achieve that. 2 bands, actually.
I currently work on site and wear surgical masks all day, it's fine. Not sure I would want to do the same if it was N95s.