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This story is from April 4, 2020

US-based CDC recommends the use of face mask in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus

The US-based health organisation, CDC, which had earlier maintained that face masks should only be worn by infected people and by others who are in close proximity of a positive person, changed its policy to recommend wearing face mask by everyone who is in a public place.
US-based CDC recommends the use of face mask in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus
NEW DELHI: The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday changed its guidelines on the use of face masks as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus disease.
The US-based health organisation, which had earlier maintained that face masks should only be worn by infected people and by others who are in close proximity of a positive person, changed its policy to recommend wearing face mask by everyone who is in a public place.

Here are the key points of CDC's guidelines on the use of face masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus —
  • 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.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.
  • A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
  • The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.
  • Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
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  • The face coverings should—
*fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
*be secured with ties or ear loops
*include multiple layers of fabric
*allow for breathing without restriction
*be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
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