The issue of wearing face masks in public comes up frequently these days. We cannot stress how vital it is for adults and children over the age of two to wear a face mask when in a public setting. However, a common question often arises, “If I am not personally at high risk for COVID-19, why should I wear a mask?” Simply stated, wearing a face mask will help prevent the spread of infection and prevent the individual from contracting any airborne infectious germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC) has recommended the wearing of cloth face coverings in public settings especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. When someone coughs, talks, sneezes they could release germs into the air that may infect others nearby. Face masks are part of an infection control strategy to eliminate cross-contamination.
The reason for this is that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread even before symptoms appear. Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice. Since COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), the use of masks is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
Help protect not only yourself but your loved ones, neighbors, and anyone your come in contact with by wearing a mask.
