LAFAYETTE COUNTY — Cloth face masks do not provide adequate protection for the user and are not a substitute for physical distancing and handwashing.
Hands should be washed frequently, as well as avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth, avoid being around sick people and practice social distancing by staying home.
Something to consider is that despite wearing a face mask, risk may increase if social distancing and hand washing aren’t practiced. Using cloth face masks over other masks designed to protect the user may negatively impact the performance, fit or, operation of an “approved” mask.
A cloth face mask is material that covers the nose and mouth and is secured to the head with ties, straps or just wrapped around the lower face.
Masks of any kind make breathing more difficult. This can be a problem for those with lung or heart disease. Consult with a primary care provider with concerns.
● Consider wearing a cloth face mask when you are outside your home while conducting essential activities such as going to work, to the grocery store, pharmacy, banking and enjoying outdoor activities while maintaining physical distancing.
● Consider wearing a cloth face mask while staying at home if you are sick, have a cough or are sneezing or if you have seasonal allergies and must interact with others.
● Wearing a cloth face mask may help you to protect others from germs you may be spreading without knowing it. Using a cloth face mask is an option.
The limited supply of surgical masks and respirators should be reserved for properly screened and trained health care providers, emergency first responders, and others.
Several studies suggest that cloth masks do not protect the user, but there is some limited evidence which suggests the use of cloth face masks could help reduce disease transmission. The primary role of a cloth mask is to reduce the amount of infectious particles released into the air when someone speaks, coughs or sneezes. Cloth face masks are not considered protective and are not a substitute for social distancing, washing your hands and staying home.
More information is available at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/protect.htm; https://www.
lafayettecountywi.org/
healthdepartment; and https://www.memorialhospital
oflafayettecounty.org/.
