Wearing a mask in public, coupled with physical distancing and preventative measures like hand washing, help slow the spread of COVID-19. Governor Baker requires all residents to cover their face with a mask when they cannot maintain six feet of social distance in public.
Wearing a face mask can protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice (e.g., while shouting, chanting, or singing). These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies show that a significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 lack symptoms (are “asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (are “pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.
Wearing a cloth face covering will help protect people around you, including those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and workers who frequently come into close contact with other people (in stores and restaurants), according to the CDC.
Click the image below for tips to safely wear and take off a mask.
