Wearing Masks In Public During Coronavirus: What MDH Says

MINNESOTA — If you've been to a grocery store or another public setting in the past month, chances are you've seen several people wearing cloth masks. Perhaps you now wear one yourself, or maybe you're considering doing so.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, wearing a mask does not protect you from others who may spread the new coronavirus. Regardless if you are wearing a mask or not, Minnesota health officials say you still need to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough, and practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of space between you and others.

However, masks or cloth face coverings can help with preventing your germs from infecting others, "especially in situations where you may spread the virus without symptoms," the MDH states.

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Health officials at the federal level currently recommend wearing cloth face coverings to protect others from COVID-19 at places where social distancing is hard to maintain, such as the grocery store or pharmacy.

Protocol for wearing a mask

Minnesota's health department is asking residents to refrain from buying or wearing surgical or N95 masks because these masks are in high demand and are needed to protect health care workers.

Health officials also say face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Homemade mask drive

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have launched a statewide homemade mask drive to encourage Minnesotans to create homemade masks for donation.

On Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Minnesotans can deliver homemade masks to their local fire department. Fire departments will then deliver the masks to local congregate living facilities for their employees and residents to wear.

Face mask design patterns and instructions can be found online and below:

• Build a mask that tightly encloses the area around the nose and mouth, from the bridge of the nose down to the chin, and extending onto the cheek beyond the corners of the mouth, so no gaps occur when talking or moving.
• Use mask material that is tightly woven but breathable. Double-layer the fabric if possible.
  • Masks must be made from washable material such as fabric. Choose a fabric that can handle high temperatures and bleach without shrinking or otherwise deforming.
• The mask should be tolerant of expected amounts of moisture from breathing.
• Suggested materials:
  • Outer layer tea cloth
  • Inner layer of a microfleece to wick away moisture
  • Use an accordion fold to mimic a hospital mask as much as possible
  • Use a fat woven shoelace type material to bind the sides (such as quilt binding)
  • For straps, use elastic straps that loop behind the ears.

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