It’s easy to do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19: Wear a mask. Emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies shows that cloth face coverings reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. Cloth face coverings are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people. It keeps others safe whenever the person wearing the cloth face covering coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. Because COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), it’s particularly important to wear a mask in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
Cloth Face Covering Basics:
- Everyone should wear a mask when going out in public.
- The cloth face covering is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Do NOT use a mask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Continue to keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face covering is not a substitute for social distancing.
Who Shouldn’t Wear A Cloth Face Covering?
- Children younger than two years old.
- Anyone who has trouble breathing.
- Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention