While the spread and mitigation of the Coronavirus in the United States changes from day to day, so have the CDC’s recommendations on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 from person to person. Here at UrgentCare.com we want to assist you to know the how, what, where and whens of how you can comply with the CDC’s rapidly changing virus recommendations.
As has been widely reported by the media and us here at UrgentCare.com we all know there has been, and continues to be, a critical shortage of personal protection equipment (PPE) all across America. The CDC has been reluctant to instruct Americans to wear protective face coverings for two main reasons, the first being that the CDC has valid concerns that wearing a protective face covering could actually cause more harm than it does good when people using them do not apply them properly and falsely then think that they are protected from the spread of the virus from others.
The secondary problem is that upon the public hearing the guidance to wear a protective face covering, the CDC feared that people would then increase the demand and expand the shortage of the hospital grade surgical masks and the N-95 respirators that are so desperately needed by our first responders and healthcare workers who are fighting to treat the victims of the Coronavirus every day.
Although the badly depleted PPE supplies continue to be a major concern for the Trump administration and the CDC, there is some headway being made in restocking these critical supplies. And while it is still a very critical and ongoing issue the CDC believed it a prudent step to now go forward to direct the public to wear protective face covering when they are going out into a public setting. To be clear the CDC is recommending a CLOTH face covering, not the badly needed N95 face masks needed by our first responders and healthcare workers.
Additionally, there is the real and present danger of people mistakenly thinking that just because they are wearing a face covering device they can’t get or spread the Coronavirus, this is the CDC’s biggest fear.
It is vitally important to maintain the social distancing guidelines of keeping 6 feet of distance between you and others and to be certain to properly apply/wear the appropriate type of face covering, as well as adhering to the stay at home as much as possible or as your local government directs you.
So, keeping the CDC’s and your local COVID-19 directives in mind, lets learn how, where and when you can help stop the spread of Coronavirus by properly applying your protective face covering.
It should be noted that wearing a cloth face covering is a voluntary added measure of protection in public areas where social distancing measures may be difficult to maintain. Remember a cloth face covering is not a requirement to be in a public place, it is a personal choice that the CDC highly recommends.
How To Properly Wear A Face Mask
Image Credit: CDC
You Should Be Certain Your Protective Face Covering:
- Is made of multiple layers of cloth fabric
- Fits snugly and securely across and against the side of your face
- Is secured in place with ties or ear loops
- Does not restrict normal breathing
- Is machine washable/dryable without damage to the shape or size of your mask
It is important to note that face coverings should not: Be placed on children under 2 years of age, anyone who has breathing impairments of any kind, is unconscious, incapicitated, or is unable to remove the mask on their own.
Q: Should cloth face coverings be washed or cleaned regularly?
A: Yes, they should be washed and dried with each use/ after you use them i.e. after you return home from grocery shopping remove your clothing and facial covering and place it in the laundry. Remember to thoroughly wash your hands and face afterward.
Q: Do I need to sanitize them with a special detergent or cleaner?
A: No, regular laundry detergent is sufficient to kill the Coronavirus but wash your clothes and masks with at least warm water.
Q: How do you safely remove a used cloth face covering?
A: You should be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when you remove the face covering. Place the face covering in a dirty laundry container for possibly contaminated items, clothing, masks, household linens, etc. and then wash your hands first and then face immediately.
Q: Can I make my own cloth mask and still meet the CDC’s guidelines?
A: Yes you can. If you would like to see how to make your own cloth face coverings you can get Do-It-Yourself step by step instructions at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings
