New CDC recommendation for cloth face coverings
On Apr. 3, the CDC issued a recommendation that everyone age 2 and older wear a cloth face covering while in public settings where it's difficult to stay 6 ft from others—for example, a pharmacy or grocery store. Click here to see the full recommendation.
This recommendation does not take the place of staying home. The directive to stay at home, except for essential activities, remains critical in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Coverings can be made from materials you may already have, like a cotton bandana or t-shirt. To see instructions for sewn and non-sewn masks, click here.
Do not put a mask on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, or anyone unable to remove a mask without assistance.
N-95 and surgical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers. If you have these in your home, consider donating.
It's important to avoid touching a mask while wearing it. Remove it by its ties, put it in the laundry, and wash your hands.
Continue washing hands often.
Never worn a face mask before? You're not alone! Check out these additional tips for making, wearing, and washing a face covering:
Making a cloth mask
A tight cotton weave is best for homemade masks - avoid synthetic or polyester.Follow the link above to instructions for making sewn and non-sewn masks.
Your covering should...
fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
include multiple layers of fabric (some patterns allow a pocket to insert a cut coffee filter or vacuum bag filter)
allow for breathing without restriction
be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
While wearing a mask
Avoid touching the front of your mask while wearing it. (If droplets from others' coughs, sneezes, or breathe land on your mask, touching it can transfer them to your hands.)
Do not pull a mask down to eat and then pull it back up.
Continuing to wash hands often. This is critical to protecting yourself, your family, and your community. (Gloves as a covering in everyday life are counterproductive when they replace handwashing.)
Removing a mask
Remove your mask by the ties/elastic without touching the front of it.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth while removing mask.
Wash your mask after each use—don't tuck it in a bag or lay it on surfaces. Masks can be washed in hot water and in the same way you wash clothes.
After touching a used mask, wash your hands.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
826996154/coronavirus-faqs-is-
