Help limit the spread of the virus

The CDC now recommends wearing non-medical face masks in public as an extra level of protection.

Here’s the run down:

What to wear: simple cloth mask that covers the nose and mouth

What NOT to wear: medical masks (surgical, N95, etc.) — leave these for the medical professionals who desperately need them.

Why the change? The CDC doesn’t want people hoarding masks when our frontline medical providers are at highest risk for exposure, and in great need of masks.

How will they help? the virus is known to be transmitted through droplets that escape when you sneeze, cough, and possibly even talk. Wearing a mask helps to keep the droplets in, minimizing the spreading, especially for people who have no symptoms and are around others in the public. They are not intended to protect the wearer–their jobs are to prevent the spread of the virus from the wearer to others.

What they’re not: they are NO SUBSTITUTE for social distancing. Continue to be diligent about hand washing and staying 6 feet away.

*Masks should not be used on: children under 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or incapacitated.