Individuals may not have symptoms of COVID-19, but may spread the virus. Universal masking protects others, not the wearer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new guidance on the use of face masks or coverings. The CDC now recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public places where social distancing measures are hard to maintain such as grocery stores and pharmacies.
Traci Holt, Infection Preventionist at Phelps Memorial Health Center, said “This guidance applies to everyone – not just people who are sick.” She added that recent studies have a shown that a significant percentage of people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic or do not show symptoms and that people with COVID-19 may pass on the disease to others even before they show symptoms.
By wearing a mask, people can reduce the chance that they will spread COVID-19 to others – whether or not they show symptoms.
The cloth face coverings recommended are NOT surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those particular types of masks are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
Cloth face coverings should not be used on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to be remove the mask without assistance.
Cloth face coverings should be washed after someone has been around others or in public areas. A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering. When removing the masks, people should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth and immediately wash hands after removing. It is important that people do not remove the face covering and lay it on a counter, or a table. It should be taken immediately to the laundry.
Mrs. Holt stated, “The combination of masking and distancing ourselves from others, including our co-workers for essential workers in our community, helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.
