Coronavirus Tips: Should You Cover Your Face While Going To The Stores?

The San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) shared that it is time to wear face coverings while going out. This is the latest advice from health officials to try to slow the spread of the deadly novel coronaviruses. However, it is far from universal guidance.

Federal officials maintain that healthy people need not wear masks in most circumstances, mainly because the public demand for masks could deprive healthcare professionals of protective gear as they treat COVID-19 positive patients. However, it seems to be a growing belief that people should be covering their faces more often, especially when they go out shopping.

“Studies indicate that there is no reason to not use a face covering as a precaution and wearing something over your nose and mouth can provide an additional layer of protection for those who must go out,” Los Angeles Times quoted SJBPH’s new statement.

The health department recommends using a bandanna or homemade cotton covering instead of hospital-grade masks that should be reserved for hospital workers and sick people.

Here’s why they recommend covering your face while going out:

• It is one good way to remind oneself not to touch their face, a very important tip that can prevent disease contraction.
• Wearing a mask or covering one’s face in public sends a message to the community that people are really taking the pandemic situation very seriously.

But, be aware that:

• Wearing a face mask isn’t a shield and it doesn’t replace frequent hand washing and physical distancing efforts.
• Face masks might be in short supply and they should be reserved for the sick and the caregivers.
• The role of masks is more about protecting the people around you and prevent contaminating surfaces around you, in case you are sick.
• Homemade masks will not block any virus particle if you spend a lot of time around an infected person. But they can protect you from droplets containing the virus.

Pine River Times’ tips for wearing a face mask:

Tie your hair back, wash your hands and secure the mask over your mouth and nose. Refrain from touching your face or your facemask and leave it on until you can safely remove it. And if you come into contact with someone who is sick, remove it immediately. And while removing a mask, wash your hands and grab the mask by the area over your ears, take the cover off. Then, wash or sanitize the mask and wash your hands again.