COVID-19 UPDATE- August 4, 2020

Public Information Release

COVID-19 Update: Masks

August 4, 2020

On July 23, 2020 the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) issued a statewide mandate for facial coverings. Research shows that people can spread COVID-19 two days before your first symptom appears.

Asymptomatic carriers (people who have COVID-19 but never have symptoms) can spread the virus to other people for days or weeks. Cloth facial coverings capture and reduce the number of infectious droplets in the air and are effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19.

The World Health Organization supports governments encouraging the general public to wear cloth masks – especially when indoors – in areas of community transmission. An article published in Infectious Disease Modelling found that population-level benefit is greater the earlier masks are adopted; this means widespread use of masks will lower the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. While masks alone are not enough, they have far more significant impact when paired with other public health measures such as social distancing and hand washing.

“Until we have a vaccine to help protect us from COVID-19, wearing a mask is the most selfless act we can take during this pandemic,” stated Health Commissioner Chris Cook. “We don’t think twice about protecting ourselves by wearing a seat belt. Wearing a mask protects everyone around you. Simply put, wearing a mask is a sign of respect for other human beings.”

The state order made facial coverings required for everyone age ten and older in all indoor public spaces, outside when six feet of social distance is not consistently maintained, and while waiting for, riding, or driving public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services.

At minimum, facial coverings (masks) should be cloth or fabric and cover your nose, mouth, and chin. Masks should not be shared, should fit snuggly, and should not have any visible holes or tears. It is important to avoid touching your mask while wearing it and remove masks by the ear loops or ties. After removing your mask, wash your hands immediately. Cloth masks should be washed with soap or detergent in warm water after every use.

MCPH is working with our partners at the Madison County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), to help residents get free masks, especially individuals in our community that may be in need.

To get a free facial covering, call Madison County EMA at (740) 852-4200, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.

To learn more about masks, including how to make you own home-made cloth mask, visit our website at covid.madisonph.org. Connect with us at 740-852-3065 or at info@madisonpublichealth.org or on social media (@madisoncountyPH).