CDC Now Recommends Face Masks in Addition to Social Distancing
Dear Neighbor,
Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that they are
recommending face coverings when people are in
public settings during the COVID-19 emergency. I want to make sure residents are well informed of all new developments in an effort to help everyone stay
healthy and safe.
Information provided by the CDC:
CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus
lack symptoms ("asymptomatic") and that even those who eventually develop symptoms ("pre-symptomatic")
can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus 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.
This recommendation complements and does not replace the
President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America, 30 Days to Slow the Spread, which remains the cornerstone of our national effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. CDC will make additional recommendations as the evidence regarding appropriate public health measures continues to develop.
I realize things are changing rapidly and new information and updates are coming out all the time. But, I want to assure you that my office and my team are at your service and will continue to provide any and all assistance we can. Please reach out to our office any time as our focus will continue to be providing effective information and responsive assistance for any request.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact my office any time at (562) 570-6300 or by email at
[email protected].