CDC Info on Masks and Cloth Face Coverings

The CDC’s current recommendation is to wear cloth face coverings in public spaces where social distancing measures can be difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. The CDC also advises the use of face masks to slow the spread of the virus, primarily helping people who may be infected but asymptomatic from passing it to others unknowingly.

Simple cloth face coverings can easily be fashioned from household items at low cost, as a voluntary public health measure. There are many tutorials available to help guide your DIY mask making, such as this no-sew mask instructional video on Huffington Post. Wearing a mask is one easy thing you can do when you go out to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

It is important to not put cloth face coverings on children under the age of two, or on anyone who already has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help from someone else.

Q: Should face cloth coverings be washed/cleaned regularly? How often?
A: Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

Q: How does one safely clean/sterilize a face cloth covering?
A: Washing them in the washing machine should suffice for proper cleaning.

Q: How do you safely remove a used cloth face covering?
A: It’s important not to touch the eyes, nose, or mouth when removing a cloth face covering, and to wash hands immediately thereafter.

How to Properly Wear Cloth Face Coverings:

Cloth face coverings should–

  • Fit snugly, yet comfortably against the sides of the face
  • Be secured with ear loops or ties
  • Include multiple layers of fabric for protection
  • Allow for breathing without restriction
  • Be machine washable and machine dried without damage or shape change

Read more about the CDC’s recommendations for masks and cloth face coverings, and check out their tutorials for sewn and no-sew DIY masks. And remember, wearing a mask when you go out takes little effort, and can save lives!