NH Coronavirus: Officials Recommend Wearing Cloth Face Coverings

CONCORD, NH — The Division of Public Health Services of the New Hampshire Department Health and Human Services is now recommending all Granite Staters wear "cloth face coverings" when outside of their homes in an effort to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The latest recommendation, issued Monday, was based on "new data about how COVID-19 can spread before a person has any symptoms," issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wearing a mask, officials said, "helps protect others around you" if you are infected and don’t know it.

"A cloth face covering is one more precaution we can take to help slow the spread of COVID-19 — and is not a substitute for physical distancing and other prevention measures," the notice said. "You still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people, even when wearing a face covering."

Cloth face coverings include bandanas, scarves, or homemade cloth masks. They should cover the mouth and nose.

Specific times when people should be wearing a cloth covering include when people make trips for groceries, the pharmacy, or the doctor's office or hospital; at home, if you are sick, and have other people in the house; if you're a home care worker who is caring for vulnerable people; when riding public transportation, a taxi, or ride sharing; and walking around on busy and crowded streets. Face coverings don't need to be worn while walking in the woods or around your own neighborhood — but bring one just in case you stop and speak to others; at home, if everyone in the home isn't showing symptoms; and while jogging on a bike path that isn't crowded.

Children under 2 should never wear face coverings, according to officials. Other people who shouldn't wear face coverings are anyone with trouble breathing, anyone who is unconscious, and anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance.

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Recommendation Changes

Officials said the cloth face covering recommendation was being made now because public health is still learning a lot about COVID-19. t

There is "more evidence that people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus" and the droplets produced when breathing, speaking, or clearing your throat may spread the virus.

"We continue to think staying home and practicing physical distancing and good hand hygiene are the most important ways to stop the spread of COVID-19," officials said. "By recommending that Granite Staters use a face covering, we are adding one more action to help reduce the spread."

How To Wear

The cloth face coverings should "fit snugly" but we comfortable; should be secured with ties or ear loops; include layers of fabric; allow for breathing; and be able to be washed and machine dried without damage.

Washing machines should be able to clean the coverings enough but make sure they are dry before using again. It is recommended to have more than one on hand.

Proper Removal

When removing the cloth face coverings, don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Immediately wash your hands after removing the covering. Don't place it where others can touch it or on countertops or tables.

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Don't Wear N95s, Surgical Masks

Officials are not recommending wearing surgical masks or N95 respirators.

"These types of masks are critical supplies that must be reserved for our health care workers and first responders," officials aid.

Anyone who can't acquire a cloth covering is asked to make their own from household items.

The CDC has a guide on how to create your own cloth face covering.

For more information about cloth face coverings visit the division's website.

Stop The Spread Of COVID-19!

COVID-19, not unlike the flu and other respiratory illnesses, is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms.

Health officials emphasize residents should follow these recommendations:

• Avoid any domestic and international travel, especially on public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, including distancing while in waiting areas or lines.
• Anybody who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with confirmed or suspect COVID-19 needs to stay home and not go out into public places.
• If you are 60 years or older or have chronic medical conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.
• Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Employers need to move to telework as much as possible.
• There is increasing evidence that this virus can survive for hours or possibly even a few days on surfaces, so people should clean frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, grocery carts and grocery basket handles, etc.

Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

• Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e., social distancing).
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.

• Guidance to schools can be found can be found here.
• Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available are available here.
• For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
• For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.

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