CDC Recommends Wearing Cloth Face Coverings To Help Slow The Spread Of COVID-19

Cloth face coverings can be made from household items or made at home from common inexpensive materials.

(undated) - In light of new data found, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends thats people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth in a community setting like grocery stores and pharmacies.

These face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing, but an additional public health measure people should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Cloth face coverings can be made from household items or made at home from common inexpensive materials.

When wearing a cloth face, coverings should:

• 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

To sanitize or wash a cloth face covering, simply wash in a washing machine. Depending on how often you wear your covering would dictate how often to wash the covering. 

Avoid placing cloth face coverings on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance as this could cause breathing issues. 

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

Get answers to your questions regarding cloth face coverings here. 

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