CDC Issues Recommendation On The Use Of Cloth Face Coverings The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a sig- nificant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symp- toms (asymptomatic) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can transmit the vi- rus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneez- ing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wear- ing 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 sig-
nificant 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 ad- vising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the vi- rus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials can be used as an addition- al, voluntary public health measure. How To Wear A Cloth Face Covering 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 Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, any- one who has trouble breathing, or is uncon- scious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. To safely remove a mask, individuals
should be care- ful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately af-
ter removing. Cloth face coverings should be washed regularly, depending on the frequency of use. Cleaning in a traditional washing machine should suffice. The cloth face coverings recommended are NOT surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must contin- ue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as rec- ommended by current CDC guidance. This recommendation complements and does not replace the President’s Coronavi- rus Guidelines for America, 30 Days to Slow the Spread, which remains the cornerstone of our national effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. CDC will make additional recommendations as the evidence regard- ing appropriate public health measures continues to develop. Visit cdc.gov for more information.
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www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 13, 2020
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