The Purpose of Cloth Face Coverings and Masks
According to the CDC, the most common way for COVID-19 to spread is through respiratory droplets – these particles spread from person to person in the air through sneezing, coughing, talking, or even breathing. Particularly when you are indoors, respiratory droplets create a concerning number of opportunities for exposure to COVID-19.
There is evidence that people can have -and spread- COVID-19 even if they are not experiencing symptoms. Wearing a cloth face covering or mask prevents the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing. As a community, we must all remember to think not just of our own health, but the health of our neighbors who may be more susceptible to serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Even if you feel healthy, making the decision to go to public spaces without a mask puts everyone around you at risk.
For this reason, CCPHD stresses the importance of always wearing face coverings indoors. Remember that cloth face coverings are NOT the same as the medical facemasks, surgical masks, or respirators (such as N95 respirators) worn by healthcare personnel, first responders, and workers in other industries. A face covering can be as simple as a bandana over your nose and mouth, or a fabric face mask made from t-shirts or other cotton fabrics. More information on proper face coverings can be found on the CDC’s website here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Using a face covering, regardless of if you are using a bandana or a sewn face mask, remember the following:
- The mouth and nose are fully covered
- The covering fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps
- You do not have any difficulty breathing while wearing the cloth face covering
- The cloth face covering can be tied or otherwise secured to prevent slipping
- Face coverings should not be placed on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone unable to remove the mask without assistance
“Earlier in our response, our focus was on what you could do to protect yourself. Asking folks to use a face covering is guidance we added at the beginning of April not to protect you, but to protect others, and reduce the risk of another surge in COVID-19 within Calhoun," said Eric Pessell, Health Officer for Calhoun County. “As we continue looking to reopen our community, we need everyone to take responsibility for doing their part to protect each other.”
Call 211 for Local Resources
Anyone in Calhoun County who needs services – food, tax preparation help, resources for children, and more – should call 211 first.
If you don’t know which agency to call for your needs, 211 maintains a database of community organizations and programs that serve our county, and the region.
Just dial 211, or text your zip code to 898-211. Find more information about local services, including an online chat function available from 4-10 p.m., at
gryphon.org
.
