A plea from a fellow resident on proper use of facemasks - official CDC information/links provided. Be your brother's keeper

Concern from a fellow resident: "A mask is a tool. A tool is only effective if you use it properly."

Photo Credit - from CDC info site

This is a critical time to disseminate and be aware of important lifesaving information. While we all enjoy updates on virtual happy hours, exercise, or photo op caravans, many have pointed out that some hard core information is needed on prevention, not fluff emails meant to entertain people. This article was sent to me by a friend and reader who feels an urgency to get this information out on how to properly wear a face mask.

 Yesterday, while I was waiting for my son to come out of Publix, I saw person after person after person walking around wearing their face mask improperly.  These people seem to think the idea behind wearing a face mask is to be compliant and not get into trouble or so they are allowed into the store.  

Some people don’t seem to understand that their face mask is supposed to be for protection. I saw people wearing masks covering their mouth, but not their nose.  I saw people wearing a mask using only one of the straps, making it sit loosely on their face, but not actually sealing the mask.  This wasn’t just one or two people. This was dozens of people. This helps to clarify part of the reason why Palmetto Bay has far more infections than Cutler Bay and Pinecrest.

Here are some helpful links on how to wear a face mask.

Photo Credit - from CDC info site

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html


https://youtu.be/zoxpvDVo_NI

-FOSDU

Editor’s Note: here are just some of the topics covered in the links above –

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines:

Cloth face coverings should—

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings

NOTE : CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

• Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?
• How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering? 
• How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?
• Sew and No Sew Instructions

Having accurate and pertinent information is of the utmost importance of staying safe. I recommend that you review the full information posted by the CDC