The Impact Of CDC Recommendation To Wear Masks In Public Being Felt From New York to Los Angeles

Following the recommendation by the CDC, measures are being taken from coast to coast to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as approaches vary from mandatory use of facemasks in general public to voluntary mask usage in some States.

During this ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the debate has raged on about the actual benefits of wearing a protective mask and face coverings out in public and in areas where social distancing can be difficult. Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued their recommendation for wearing masks in public citing that it’s crucial for slowing the spread of COVID-19, particularly because people can be infected by the virus without even having symptoms of the disease. 

Whereas the CDC advises wearing face coverings, it’s uncertain how effective cloth masks are since they are not specifically designed for respiratory protection. Despite the lengthy discussion over the efficiency of homemade masks and DIY face coverings compared to respirators like the N95, five points are worth reiterating: facemasks should fit snugly but comfortably over the mouth and nose, masks should be secured over the ears, they should allow for easy breathing, be formed with multiple layers, and be removed carefully without touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. 

The impact and importance of the CDC recommendation to wear masks is being felt from New York to Los Angeles. 

To open this week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order directing employers to provide employees with a cloth or surgical mask when engaging with the general public. On Wednesday, Governor Cuomo extended this announcement by ordering all people wear a face covering while in public as New York works to combat COVID-19. In Los Angeles County, the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance making face coverings mandatory for essential businesses at workers at grocery stores, pharmacies, and food delivery drivers. The measure also allows for pharmacies and grocery stores to refuse service to customers not wearing a facemask (fines can also be issued). 

With Los Angeles County putting their law into effect, it will be interesting to see which cities (San Diego County and Sacramento County are also tightening up their stance) and States follow their lead. Maryland and Connecticut are making wearing masks mandatory, while people in Oregon approach the matter on a more voluntary basis for example. In North Carolina, the lack of people wearing protective masks in public called for some to demand making the act mandatory. Much like New York, Pennsylvania is increasing measures to protect the general public by denying entry into essential stores where individuals are not wearing a mask. 

As requirements by State and cities may vary and no doubt will change moving forward, one thing has remained a constant theme: CDC recommendations to wear facemasks in public should be taken very seriously in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

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