Coronavirus: Guidelines For Applying, Cleaning Facial Coverings

MICHIGAN — The extended executive order requiring Michigan residents to wear face masks while visiting closed off public spaces takes effect Monday.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer last week extended her previously issued stay-home order, which was set to expire this week. Adding to the order was a section that required residents to wear facial coverings when visiting enclosed public spaces, such as grocery stores. Previously, the order had only recommended the use of such coverings.

Below is a compilation of tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on health measures relating to wearing face coverings.

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How To Wear a Cloth Face Covering

According to the CDC, face coverings should fit snugly, but comfortably, against the sides of your face. The covering should be secured with ties or ear loops, and include multiple layers of fabric. The CDC also says it is essential that face coverings be laundered and machine dried without damage to the mask's shape.

Homemade Cloth Face Coverings

Even simple cloth face coverings can help slow the spread of the coronavirus, according to the CDC. In public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, masks become even more essential. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional public health measure.

The CDC notes, however, that cloth face coverings should not be places on children 2 years old or younger, or anyone who has trouble breathing or who is unconscious. The organization also seeks to remind residents that N-95 or surgical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

Removing Cloth Face Coverings

Anyone wearing a cloth face covering should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth when removing the masks, the CDC said. It is also important to immediately wash your hands after removing the mask.

Other tips and tutorials on making homemade masks can be found on the CDC website here.

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