Fabric masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from entering the air and onto others when the person wearing the cloth coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice. This is called source control. This recommendation is based on what we know about the role of inhalation droplets in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, combined with emerging evidence from clinical studies. and in laboratories showed that fabric masks reduced the spraying of droplets when worn through the nose and mouth. COVID-19 is spread mainly between people who come into close contact (within about 6 feet), so the use of cloth masks is especially important where people are close together or where isolation can be difficult. social communication.
Who should wear fabric masks?
Public
- CDC recommends that everyone 2 years of age or older wear fabric masks in public places and when around people who do not live in your home, especially when it is difficult to maintain other social communication isolation measures.
- COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and are unaware they have been infected. This is why people should wear fabric masks in public places and practice social isolation (maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others).
- Although fabric masks are highly recommended to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recognizes that there are specific instances where wearing a fabric mask may not be feasible. In these cases, adaptive modification and alternatives should be considered whenever possible (see example below).
People who know or think they might have COVID-19
- If you have COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, do not go to public areas. Stay home unless you need medical attention. Stay in a private room and stay away from other people and pets as much as possible. If you need to be with other people or animals, wear a fabric mask (even inside your home).
- Wearing a cloth mask helps prevent an infected person from spreading the virus to others. This will help keep drops from the airway and not on the other person.
Caregivers for people with COVID-19
- People who care for people with COVID-19 at home or not in a health care facility can also wear fabric masks. However, the protective effects – how well wearing a cloth mask protects healthy people from inhaling the virus – is still unknown. To avoid getting sick, caregivers should also continue to practice daily preventive actions: avoid close contact as much as possible, wash hands often; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and regularly clean and disinfect surfaces.
Who should not wear fabric masks
Do not wear a fabric face mask for:
- Children under 2 years of age
- Anyone who has difficulty breathing
- Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or unable to remove the fabric face mask without assistance
Feasibility and adaptation
CDC has found that wearing fabric face masks cannot be done in all situations or with certain people. In some situations, wearing a fabric mask can aggravate a physical or mental health condition, lead to a medical emergency, or cause significant safety concerns. Adaptive modifications and alternatives should be considered whenever possible to increase the feasibility of wearing a fabric face mask or to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread if it cannot be worn.
For example,
- People who are deaf or hard of hearing – or those who care for or interact with a deaf person – may not be able to wear a fabric mask if they rely on oral language for communication. In this situation, consider using a transparent mask. If a transparent mask is not available, consider if you can use written communication, use captions or reduce background noise so you can communicate while wearing a mask that covers your lips. .
- Some people, such as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, have mental illness or other sensory sensitivities, may have difficulty wearing cloth masks. They should consult their healthcare provider for advice on wearing fabric masks.
- Younger children (for example, preschoolers or elementary school children) may not be able to wear a fabric mask properly, especially for a long period of time. Wearing a fabric mask can be given priority when it is difficult to maintain a 6-foot distance from others (for example, while getting on or off a carpool or when standing in line at school). Ensuring the right fabric respirator size fits and regularly reminding and educating children about the importance and wearing the fabric mask correctly can help solve these problems.
- People should not wear fabric face masks while participating in activities that could cause them to get wet, like when swimming at the beach or swimming pool. Wet cloth masks can cause breathing difficulties. For activities like swimming, it is especially important to maintain distance from others while underwater.
- People who are engaged in intense activities, such as running, may not be able to wear a fabric mask if the fabric mask is making it difficult to breathe. If it is not possible to wear a fabric respirator, consider conducting activities where there is better ventilation and air exchange (for example, outdoors vs. indoors) and where distance from others can be maintained.
- People working in an environment where fabric face masks may increase the risk of heat-related illness or cause safety concerns by creating a hazard (for example, straps stuck to machinery) Health and safety professionals may be consulted to determine how to wear respirators that are appropriate for their environment. Outdoor workers may prefer to use cloth masks when in close contact with others, such as when traveling in groups or during work shift meetings and to remove fabric masks when hand-over isolation can be performed. to socialize. Find more information here and below.
Cloth masks are the most important and necessary preventative measure when it is difficult to maintain social isolation. If cloth masks cannot be used, be sure to take other measures to minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19, including social isolation, frequent hand washing and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. the face is often touched.
Face shield
It is not known whether a face shield is beneficial in controlling the source of infection to protect others from inhalation particle splashes. The CDC does not recommend the use of a face shield for routine everyday activities or as an alternative to fabric masks. Some people may choose to use a face shield when expected to be in close contact with others for an extended period of time. If the face shield is to be used without the mask, the face shield should wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend downwards below the chin. The disposable face shield should be worn for one use only. Reusable visors should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. DO NOT use plastic face shields for babies and children.
Medical masks Fabric masks are not medical masks or masks. For now, these are important resources that should continue to be reserved exclusively for health care workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidelines. Fabric respirators are also not a suitable alternative to these items in the workplace where a respirator or respirator is recommended or required, and these are readily available.
