Wearing Masks During Coronavirus: What The Wisconsin DHS Says

MILWAUKEE, WI — As the coronavirus public health emergency continues to impact the lives of all Wisconsin residents, many people are now using cloth face masks to help protect themselves when they go out and about.

Cloth face covers are not a substitute for other practices, such as social distancing and hand-washing, Wisconsin health officials said, but they may help prevent the spread of germs. Here is what state officials say about cloth face masks — including where they help and where they don't.

When should you wear a cloth face cover?

State health officials say wearing a cloth face covering may be beneficial as it may help to protect others from germs you may be spreading without knowing it.

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Using a cloth face cover is preferable because that allows more surgical masks and respirators to be used by health care providers and other first responders, state officials say.

• You should wear a cloth face cover when you are outside the home conducting essential activities such as going to work, to the grocery store, pharmacy, banking and enjoying outdoor activities while maintaining physical distancing.
• If you are sick (have a cough or are sneezing) or have seasonal allergies, you need to wear a cloth face cover when around other people to protect them from your sneezes.

How effective are masks at preventing the spread of the virus?

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, there is only limited evidence to suggest that use of cloth face coverings by the public during a pandemic could help reduce disease transmission.

The coverings' primary role, state officials in Wisconsin say, is to reduce the release of infectious particles into the air when someone speaks, coughs or sneezes, including someone who has COVID-19 but feels well.

"Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing and washing-hands and staying home when ill, but they may be helpful when combined with these primary interventions," officials say.

5 Things To Know About Wearing A Mask

To wear a mask, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services says to keep these things in mind:

1. Before putting on a mask, clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
2. Make sure your mask covers your mouth and nose, with no gaps between your face and the mask.
3. Do not touch your mask while wearing it; if you do, clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
4. Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp.
5. Always wear your cloth reusable mask with the same side facing outward.

How To Clean A Cloth Mask

According to the Wisconsin DHS, it’s a good idea to wash your cloth face covering frequently, ideally after each use, or at least daily.

"Have a bag or bin to keep cloth face coverings in until they can be laundered with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle," officials say. "If you must re-wear your cloth face covering before washing, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face."

How To Get A Cloth Mask

If you need a cloth mask but do not have access to one, you may be able to make your own mask by sewing one. The Wisconsin DHS has several links to instructions on how to sew a simple fabric face mask.

Online instructions and patterns:

• Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin: Hand-Sewn Mask Instructions
• MakeFaceMasks: https://makefacemasks.com/
• The Turban Project: https://turbanproject.com/patterns
• SewGoodGoods.org: https://www.sewgoodgoods.org/face-mask-covid-19
• Deaconess Health System: How to and a video
• Providence Health System: How to and video
• YouTube: How to sew a simple Fabric Face Mask
• Joan Glass: Face Mask Directions
• Facemask: A picture tutorial
• DIY: Cloth Face Mask

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• Wisconsin Coronavirus Tracker
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