Indian River County, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health in Indian River County is reminding visitors and residents on proper mask usage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wear masks in public setting around people who don’t live in your household and when you can’t stay 6 feet away from others. Masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others.

DO choose masks that:

• Have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.
• Completely cover your nose and mouth.
• Fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps.
• If fitting a child, are made for children or fit snugly on their face.
• Can be either disposed of or washed daily.

DO NOT choose masks that:

• Are made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe, for example, vinyl.
• Have exhalation valves or vents, which allow virus particles to escape.
• Are intended for healthcare workers, including N95 respirators or surgical masks.

CDC does not recommend the use of gaiters or buffs, or face shields. Evaluation of these face covers is on-going, but effectiveness is unknown at this time. Also, children under 2 years old, people who have trouble breathing, or people who cannot remove the mask without assistance should NOT wear a mask.

For more information on proper mask usage, please visit the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.