PUBLIC MASKING GUIDANCE

The CDC is developing guidance on universal use of masks in public. This is due to increasing evidence that people can start spreading the virus even when they don’t feel sick (asymptomatic transmission).

Montgomery Township Board of Health wants our community to act fast to save lives.

We join with the Center for Health Security, Bloomberg-Harvard City Leadership Institute, and Public Health experts from multiple nations, in promoting use of masks among the general public when out on essential trips. Masks should be worn whenever you are out of the home in public spaces.

Let’s be clear: Professionally made masks and N95s must be saved for hospital workers who are putting their lives on the line in this battle. But homemade cloth masks, or even a bandana or scarf may give the average person a little extra protection against catching (or spreading) the virus.

Here are some general guidelines for using a homemade mask:

The mask should be washed in hot soapy water (or machine washed) before first use, and after every trip in public (e.g. grocery store)

Wash your hands before touching the clean mask.

Mask must be placed over both your nose and your mouth to be effective.

While in use, you can’t drink, eat, or smoke or this will not provide protection.

Don’t fiddle with or fidget with the mask. Don’t touch your face.

If the mask becomes wet or contaminated, it’s time to change it out and launder.

This is not a magic bullet. This is not an N95, nor even a surgical mask. A scarf or homemade mask won’t stop aerosols (ultra-fine mists from singing or speaking), but can add some protection for both you and those around you by reducing droplet spread.

This does NOT reduce the need to stay at home for all but the most essential trips. 

Stay home. Save Lives. Stop the spread.