The CDC is now recommending that you wear a cloth face covering when you go out in public. Cloth face coverings are not the same as surgical masks or N-95 respirators.
There’s a right way to cover your face safely
Do you need to make your own cloth-based face covering and don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Fortunately, the CDC has printed guidelines for making homemade cloth face coverings. There are several easy masks to make.
When wearing a cloth face covering, please remember these important things:
- Make sure it fits snug to your face and covers your nose and mouth
- Make sure it stays securely in place
- Make sure to include several layers of fabric
- Wash it regularly in the washing machine
- Don’t let it restrict your breathing
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth while removing it
- Wash your hands after removing it
You still need to practice social distancing
While the CDC is recommending cloth face coverings to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19, this does not replace the need for social distancing and any current stay-at-home orders.
Social distancing is still the most important community-based effort we can use to “lower the curve”. This means that even though you have a cloth face covering, you should still keep six feet of distance between yourself and others whenever possible when you go out.
You will need a mask or cloth face covering when you come in for your appointments. If you don’t have one, we will have cloth face coverings available that patients can use during their appointment.