County, State Want You To Cover Your Face In Public: Coronavirus

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel is calling on people to wear face coverings such as bandanas, neck gaiters and fabric masks when in public. People should still stay six feet away from others and wash hands frequently, the county said.

There is a limited supply of medical masks, so officials ask people use surgical or N-95 masks.

“New evidence shows us that people with no symptoms or mild symptoms may have
coronavirus and not know it," Newel said. "Wearing face coverings may help to protect others from exposure."

People can also make improvised face masks from shirts, towels or sweatshirts. Avoid touching your face to adjust the covering, the county said.

Face coverings should be washed frequently with laundry detergent and hot water, and dried on a hot cycle, the county said. If possible keep face coverings in separate laundry bin.

The announcement from Santa Cruz County comes after the California Department of Public Health issued Wednesday a guidance advising the public on face coverings.

The state says the best way for people to protect themselves is still washing hands often, refraining from touching your face with unwashed hands, avoiding sick people, staying home and keeping distance from others.

People who ignore those recommendations in lieu of wearing face coverings could put themselves at increased risk of contracting the virus.