Breaking: CDC’s recommendation on use of cloth face coverings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission of #COVID19. Read more: bit.ly/2Ravt42
Recent studies show that a significant portion of individuals with #COVID19 lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.
In light of new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings to slow spread of #COVID19 in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores & pharmacies) esp. in areas of significant community-based transmission.
Maintaining 6-feet min. social distancing remains important to slowing spread of #COVID19. CDC also advises use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure to help slow the spread of #COVID19.
The cloth face coverings recommended to slow spread of #COVID19 are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those critical supplies must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
