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LAPLACE—As of Friday, the CDC now recommends the usage for cloth face coverings especially in areas of “high community-based transmissions.” This information comes after studies that show a large number of people with the Coronavirus lack symptoms and many that eventually develop symptoms can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread when people are in close proximity from speaking, sneezing, and so forth even if they are not showing symptoms.

While social distancing remains important in slowing down the spread of the virus, usage of the cloth mask will help those that have the virus and not realize they have it from spreading it to others.

Cloth masks are easy to make and can be made from a scarf, bandana, face towel, an old tee shirt or other available cloths.

 

Tee Shirt Mask

1. Cut the tee shirt in half, from bottom to top.
2. Fold the bottom to the middle
3. Fold the top to the middle
4. Fold the bottom to the middle again
5. Fold the top to the middle again.
6. Slide a rubberband on each side about ¼ of the way in.
7. Fold each side in to meet in the middle.
8. Place on face with the rubber bands behind the ears.

 

The cloth masks are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are critical supplies and should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. The masks are meant to work with the stay at home proclamation not replace it.