The following information is directly from the CDC related to the new recommendation to wear a face covering in public. Please read the following carefully. If you have any questions, be sure to go to the CDC website for further information.
In case
you missed it: the CDC has updated its
recommendations for mask use during
the COVID-19 pandemic. As new information has emerged about this coronavirus,
it’s become clear that not all people who contract it show
symptoms – according to CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, up to 25% of people with
COVID-19 might be asymptomatic. Because of this, it’s
easy for those who don’t actually know they’re infected to spread the virus to
others in close proximity, and masks could be a major preventative measure to
curb asymptomatic transmission.
As of
late, there has also been a lot
of back and forth discussion over whether or not
this virus is “airborne” and some research suggests
it’s plausible because liquid droplets from sneezing, coughing and even
just exhaling can linger in the air longer than originally expected. While
experts are circling exact answers to this and other questions, the CDC urges
the general public to be on the safe side and take all precautions to protect
against coming into contact with this virus.
As a
result, the CDC now recommends everyone wear cloth face coverings in public,
particularly in places where social distancing is difficult to maintain and
opportunities for transmission are high, like pharmacies and grocery stores.
Cloth face masks can be routinely washed and re-worn, and are the best addition to
social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
It’s
important to note that these new recommendations are not a
substitute for the current stay-at-home orders and social distancing required
by some states and the federal government. Per CDC guidelines, it’s still recommended that people maintain a distance of at
least 6 feet from one another, avoid social gatherings and stay home as much as
possible.
Types of masks
Cloth masks
Cloth
face coverings or masks are a cost effective way to keep yourself safe, can be
made from household items (like an old t-shirt and
rubber bands) or bought online, and can be re-washed and worn again. These
masks should be worn by the general public to help slow the spread of
coronavirus, especially in high-traffic, public areas. These are not
recommended when taking care of sick patients as they do not provide adequate
protection from repeated exposure to the virus.
Cloth
masks can be vital because they help slow the spread of COVID-19 between people
who might have the virus but are asymptomatic and do not know they are
infected. Concerns now over those
who unknowingly carry coronavirus are high, so shifting to a new social norm – where everyone
wears a cloth face mask – is our best line of defense when coupled
with social distancing measures.
Some
people are opting to reinforce their cloth masks with disposable air filters to
make them more effective. The CDC suggests doubling up protection by pairing a bandana with
a coffee filter to make it more
effective, while some people are sewing
masks with filter pockets and using disposable
HEPA filters. Reinforcing seems to be a good idea and recent tests have shown HEPA furnace filters and vacuum cleaner bags to be most
effective, followed by coffee filters, while scarves and bandanas captured the
lowest number of particles.
At the
very least, a simple cloth mask is better than nothing and will capture more
particles than wearing nothing at all.
Surgical Masks
These are
single-use, loose-fitting masks meant to be used by those treating someone who
is sick and/or suspected of having COVID-19. These masks can effectively
block large particles but will not necessarily prevent small particles from
being transmitted by coughing or sneezing. Because of supply issues, per
the CDC, these should be reserved for healthcare professionals only at this
time, as they endure constant exposure to COVID-19.
N-95 Masks
These are
heavier-duty, tight-fitting, single-use respirator masks which also remove
particles from the air, but filter out at least 95 percent of very small
particles. Like surgical masks (but even more important and effective), due to
supply concerns, N-95 masks are scarce in supply and should only be reserved
for healthcare professionals, as they see repeated exposure to COVID-19.
Donate Masks
If you
already have surgical masks or N-95s (or other personal protective equipment)
in your possession and would like to donate them to healthcare workers in need,
consider using these resources:
Tips for wearing masks
According to the WHO, the use of these masks should be combined with other measures,
such as hand sanitizing and social distancing. Specific recommendations for proper use include:
- Before putting
on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Cover mouth and
nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the
mask.
- Avoid touching
the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based
hand rub or soap and water.
- Replace the mask
with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not reuse masks until they
have been washed.
- To remove the
mask: remove it from behind – do not touch the front of the mask
and clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Place used cloth
masks in a bag or bin until they can be washed with detergent/soap and hot
water.
