MASKS CDPH - Ca.gov 2020 0401 Public Health Information For The Use of Cloth Face Coverings by The General Public When Outside

2020 1218
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Face-Coverings-Guidance.aspx
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 Center for Infectious Diseases
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 Face Coverings Guidance
State of California—Health and Human Services Agency

California Department of Public Health
April 1, 2020
TO:
General Public
SUBJECT:
Face Coverings Guidance
NOTE: The following is superseded by updated guidance
released on June 18, 2020.
This document provides public health information for the use of cloth face
coverings by the general public when outside the home conducting essential
activities. It does not substitute for existing guidance about social distancing
and handwashing. It does not mandate that face coverings be worn state-
wide.
Guidance
 Our best community and individual defense against COVID 19 is
washing our hands frequently, avoiding touching our eyes, nose and
mouth with unwashed hands, avoiding being around sick people and
physical distancing, especially by staying at home. A strong health care
delivery system and emergency response system is also an essential
core defense to save lives when people do get ill.
 There may be a benefit to reducing asymptomatic transmission and
reinforcing physical distancing from the use of face coverings. However,
face coverings may increase risk if users reduce their use of strong
defenses, such as physical distancing and frequent hand washing,
when using face coverings.
Considerations
 Counties that choose to introduce policies promoting face coverings for
their residents should make sure that these policies do not put
increased demand on medical grade respirators, such as N95 and
surgical masks. Counties should emphasize the use of face coverings in
conjunction with evidence-based interventions such as staying at home,
physical distancing when completing essential activities and washing
hands.
 Individuals outside of counties with recommendations on face
coverings, should wear coverings if they feel comfortable doing so, and
practice strict hand washing before and after touching and adjusting the
mask. They are reminded that face coverings are not a replacement for
other evidence-based measures such as physical distancing, frequent
hand washing practices, and remaining at home when not doing
essential activities.
Background
What is a cloth face covering?
A cloth face covering is a material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be
secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped around the lower
face. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen. A
cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand, or can be
improvised from household items such as scarfs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, or
towels.
How well do cloth face coverings work to prevent spread of COVID-19?
There is limited evidence to suggest that use of cloth face coverings by the
public during a pandemic could help reduce disease transmission. Their
primary role is to reduce the release of infectious particles into the air when
someone speaks, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has COVID-19
but feels well. Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing
and washing hands and staying home when ill, but they may be helpful when
combined with these primary interventions.
When should I wear a cloth face covering?
You may choose to wear a cloth face covering when you must be in public for
essential activities, such as shopping at the grocery store. Wearing a cloth
face covering does not eliminate the need to physically distance yourself from
others.
How should I care for a cloth face covering?
It’s a good idea to wash your cloth face covering frequently, ideally after each
use, or at least daily. Have a bag or bin to keep cloth face coverings in until
they can be laundered with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle.
If you must re-wear your cloth face covering before washing, wash your hands
immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face. Discard
cloth face coverings that:
 No longer cover the nose and mouth
 Have stretched out or damaged ties or straps
 Cannot stay on the face
 Have holes or tears in the fabric
California Department of Public Health
PO Box, 997377, MS 0500, Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Department Website (cdph.ca.gov)
Page Last Updated : October 14, 2020

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2020 1218

State of California—Health and Human Services Agency

Page Last Updated : October 14, 2020

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