Cloth Face Masks and COVID-19

 

CDC Recommendations
The CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing 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.

It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Cleaning, Maintaining and Donning and Doffing Cloth Masks
Wash your cloth mask after each use, or at least daily. It’s best to wash in hot water, but if you can’t, make sure to dry on a hot setting of your dryer. Social distancing is still an important tool in reducing risks associated with the novel coronavirus. Stay home, if you can, but if you must go out for necessities, use a mask.

Cloth masks only help if they are carefully put on (donned) and taken off (doffed.)

When you're putting one on, hold the mask by ear loops and slip one loop over your ear, and then slip the second loop over your other ear, adjust mask to assure mouth and nose covered. Remember that cloth masks tend to slip less during use if the lower edge of mask is aligned with your jawbone rather than below it. If your mask has a "head loop" instead of ear loops, hold the mask by grasping both head loops at the edges, and then pull the elastic around your head. Put your chin into the cloth part first.

Stretch both head loops up over your head and adjust loops so mask fits snugly. It's also important to remove the mask with care when you're done wearing it. When you're ready to remove a cloth mask, grasp one of the ear or head loops. Try to avoid touching the front of the mask. Put it in your laundry to be washed – and then wash your hands.

Performing hand hygiene, every time you touch the mask, will really help you avoid cross-contamination. Try to avoid touching the outside of the mask and wash it regularly.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com