Use of Cloth Face Coverings, April 8

CHW release – COVID-19 can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing 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 significant 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 advising the 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. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. Non-medical cloth face coverings can supplement but not replace Governor Kate Brown’s Stay Home, Save Lives executive order. Learn more from CDC about the use of cloth face coverings. You can find a template for sewing cloth face coverings for yourself and your family or for donation on our COVID-19 page on our website (scroll down to Volunteer Opportunities). For questions regarding COVID-19 and the most up to date guidance, please email covid19.questions@chw.coos.or.us or visit our COVID-19 page on our website.