AUTHORITY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

DATE PRODUCED: Last updated April 4, 2020

TYPE: Guidance / Protocol

THE QUESTION IT ANSWERS:

• How does coronavirus disease spread?
• What precautions should I take to avoid exposure to the coronavirus?

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which continue to be reserved for first responders as recommended by CDC guidance.

These cloth masks must be used alongside guidance from the CDC on how to prevent yourself and others from getting sick, including maintaining 6-feet social distancing.