MA Leaders Say Wear Face Masks During Coronavirus: What To Know

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Late last week, the Centers for Disease Control recommended that Americans start wearing face coverings in public. Following that advice, communities like Wayland, Boston, Melrose, and Framingham have told local residents to do the same — the Framingham mayor even demonstrated how to wear a mask in a video posted on Facebook Monday.

"I am starting this practice as of today," Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer said through her mask in the video. "And your face mask doesn't have to be hospital grade — it can be something made out of cloth and just covers your nose and mouth on a regular basis."

And Spicer is right. The CDC is recommending face coverings not necessarily to protect people from getting coronavirus, but to prevent people who are positive from spreading it.

Here's what to know about why leaders are recommending face coverings in public.

Why is the CDC recommending this now?

Research on coronavirus is showing that lots of people get the virus without showing symptoms, called being "asymptomatic." The CDC's advice on face coverings is an extra precaution people can easily take to cut down on spreading coronavirus. Face masks are not mandatory, and so far only a few local leaders in Massachusetts have asked citizens to voluntarily wear them.

I don't have symptoms, do I need to cover my face?

Yes — this is an important point. Lots of people who get coronavirus, perhaps as many as 25 percent, are asymptomatic. There's the potential for asymptomatic people to spread the virus without knowing it, especially since COVID-19 testing is not widely available. Face coverings may help asymptomatic people spread fewer virus particles.

A face covering is just an extra barrier between your nose and mouth and the rest of the world.

What is a face covering?

A face covering could be a scarf, a bandanna, or any other multi-layer piece of cloth that fits snugly over your nose and mouth. You can also use a surgical mask if you have one. But don't rush out to the store — it's easy to make a mask at home for free (more on that later).

Where do I wear a face covering?

Mainly in places where there are lots of other people. But to be safe, wear one whenever you're out in public.

"CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission."

Do I still have to stay 6 feet from other people?

Yes, you still have to adhere to social distancing guidelines even with a face covering. That means keeping 6 feet or more of space between you and other people. Virus particles can still flow through cloth coverings. Read more about social distancing guidelines.

Can I still get coronavirus while wearing a face covering?

Yes. Cloth masks are porous and can let virus particles in. The CDC is recommending people wear face coverings to cut down on coronavirus being spread by asymptomatic people. If you have coronavirus symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever), call your doctor.

How do I get a mask if there's a medical supply shortage?

You can make one at home. There are plenty of videos showing how to make them at home in just a few minutes for free. There are also step-by-step instructions on the CDC website.

What about N95 masks?

N95 masks are the medical standard for coronavirus protection. But as has been reported for weeks, there's a shortage of them, so it's best to leave them for medical professionals. Washing your hands, maintaining social distance, and staying home are your best strategies for staying healthy, experts say.

"[N95 masks] are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for health care workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance," the CDC says.

Can I clean my mask?

Yes, launder your mask just like any other piece of clothing. In fact, the CDC recommends making masks out of materials that are easy to throw in the laundry.

Any precautions?

From the CDC: "Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance."