The Allen County Health Department is encouraging residents to wear cloth face coverings when venturing out into public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a teleconference with media today, health department board member Dr. James Cameron talked about the effectiveness of wearing face coverings in public during a health crisis like this one.
“If you’re the only one that’s wearing a face covering, you’re gonna be a little bit protected," Cameron said. "But if everybody’s wearing a face covering, you’re really gonna be able to do a good job at slowing that spread.”
Cameron cited studies done that showed wearing face coverings was effective in slowing the spread, but only when everyone did it.
The health department recommends residents become comfortable wearing a cloth face covering made from a bandana or scarf, in a double layer across their mouth and nose.
Cameron also noted the most sanitary way to remove the covering is to wash your hands, remove the mask and place it into the laundry, and immediately wash your hands again.
Instructions for how to make a homemade cloth face cover can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
