During the COVID-19 crisis, people are being asked to stay at home to prevent the spread of the disease. If you need to leave your home for an essential service or to get some fresh air, you are being asked to socially distance. This means keeping at least six feet of space between yourself and anyone you do not live with; not gathering in groups; and staying out of crowded places and away from mass gatherings. Click here for more information on social distancing from the CDC.
The current recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
Additional information from the CDC, including how to make your own face mask, is available here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have put together tips on protecting yourself from COVID-19. The best thing you can do at this time is to follow their guidelines.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your Face in particular your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for more information on the coronavirus.