Wearing a cloth face covering or mask can help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventative actions. Cloth masks may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.

The CDC recommends everyone wear cloth masks while in public. Additionally, many communities in our region have issued ordinances that require cloth masks to be worn in public. Find out more about mask ordinances in your community through the agencies listed on our Public Health Resources page.

When to Wear a Cloth Mask

Cloth face masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.

The CDC has released the following guidelines:

 

When to Wear a Cloth Mask All people 2 years of age and older wear a cloth face covering in public settings. When around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Who should not wear cloth mask Children younger than 2 years old Anyone who has trouble breathing Anyone who is unable to remove a cloth mask without assistance.