April 25, 2020

The Jackson County Health Department hotline has received a number of calls from community members regarding the CDC recommendation to wear face coverings in public.

This is a recommendation that the Health Department urges people to follow, but it is not mandated in Jackson County or in the overall Kansas City metro.

The CDC recommends that all people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.

What type of cloth face covering should be worn?
Cloth face coverings can be made from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost.

Who should not wear cloth face coverings?
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.

Why is CDC recommending cloth face coverings instead of medical grade facemasks?
Surgical masks and N95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for healthcare workers or other medical first responders, as recommended by CDC guidance.

How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering

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