SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel on Friday recommended that everyone cover their mouth and nose with cloth when leaving their homes to protect themselves from coronavirus.
The guidance, which comes from the California Department of Public Health, is in addition to the sweeping shelter-in-place order imposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 19.
Newel said that the face coverings do not have to be medical grade. Acceptable face coverings can be made of a variety of cloth materials, be factory-made or hand-sewn, or can be improvised using bandanas, scarves, t-shirts, sweatshirts or towels.
Fabric covers and bandanas should be washed frequently with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle. Ideally, face coverings should be washed after each use, and be placed in a dedicated laundry bag or bin.
Newel also said those face coverings should be comfortable. Frequently adjusting them means touching your face.
Health officials do not recommend that the public use medical masks such as N-95 and surgical masks. These are in limited supply and must be preserved for health care workers and first responders, Newel said.
Up until now, local officials have not recommended the large-scale use of face coverings, but circumstances have changed.
“New evidence shows us that people with no symptoms or mild symptoms may have coronavirus and not know it,” Newel said. “Wearing face coverings may help to protect others from exposure. But face coverings are not a substitute for the social distancing requirements, including frequent hand washing, sheltering in place, staying home if you are ill and keeping six feet apart.”
Covering the nose and mouth with cloth also may be beneficial as a reminder to keep physical distancing, Newel said, referring to the six-foot personal buffer zone suggested by health officials.
Staying home, frequent hand washing and physical distancing are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, Newel said.
Everyone should frequently wash their hands, or use hand sanitizer, before and after touching their face or face coverings, Newel said.
