Why are masks important? Cloth Face Covering FAQs

Why are masks important? Masks are a very important part of helping slow the spread of COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth to protect the people around them. This is because COVID-19 can spread even if a person is not showing symptoms.

Why are masks required in the hospital when they aren’t elsewhere? In mid-April, the CDC revised its guidelines relating to face masks for use at healthcare facilities. The CDC stated: “To address asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, implement source control for everyone entering a healthcare facility (e.g., healthcare personnel, patients, visitors), regardless of symptoms. This action is recommended to help prevent transmission from infected individuals who may or may not have symptoms of COVID-19”. To continue our alignment with CDC guidelines and recommendations around the use of PPE, we revised our own PPE guidelines based on the above change. In addition, at the end of April, Governor Mike DeWine issued a mandate that all employees have to wear a face covering while on the job.

How should I clean my mask? Your cloth mask should be laundered after each time you wear it. Wash your mask in a washing machine with hot water, then dry in a dryer on high heat.