The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of face masks for the general public.
After some public health groups argued that masks should not be for the general public – to protect the supply for health care workers fighting the virus on the “frontlines” – the CDC acknowledged this issue and recommended cloth masks for the public. The surgical/medical masks and N95 masks are exclusively used by the healthcare workers.
While the supply of N95 and surgical masks is not good, cloth masks are more cheap, accessible, reusable and easy to make out of a variety of materials.
Cloth masks will still help slow the spread of COVID-19, and help protect others in case the wearer has the virus.
Things you should know and do when wearing a mask:
* Wear a cloth face mask when you are in a public place where it is difficult to maintain social distance, especially in “high traffic” places like the grocery store.
* Position the mask over your nose and mouth. Both nose and mouth should be covered; otherwise, it becomes useless.
* Do not make your cloth face mask like a headband.
* Secure the mask behind your head or use ear loops.
* Don’t touch the mask while wearing it.
* Wash or sanitize your hands if you accidentally touch the mask.
* Untie the mask or lift it off the ear loops.
* Immediately wash your hands after removing the mask.
* Wash your cloth face mask with soap and water in the washing machine after each wear.
* Don’t put masks on anyone who cannot remove the mask without help, has difficulty breathing, or is unconscious.
* Use masks only on those age two and older.
* Don’t use face masks as an alternative to social distancing.
* Do not wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably. Remember that sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly, which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance of at least one meter from others.
Ana Williams is the health columnist for The Graham Star.