Here is the current CDC guidance on face mask use.  CDC recommendations do not replace federal requirements still in place for masking in certain health care facilities.

Where are face coverings required?

  • Long-Term Care/Hospitals/Certain Medical facilities: Face coverings are required of staff, vendors contractors and visitors to these facilities regardless of vaccination status, by any facility regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
  • Any child under the age of two (2) must not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation.

Unvaccinated individuals and children ages 2 and up not eligible for the vaccine should continue to wear face coverings.

    What masks offer the best protection?

  • For your best level of protection, CDC continues to recommend that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well, is most comfortable for you and that you will wear consistently every time.
  • Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

What Should I Know About Respirators?

  • While all masks and respirators provide some level of protection, properly fitted respirators provide the highest level of protection.
  • If a respirator is worn properly and can be used for extended periods, individuals may opt for the increased protection against COVID-19.
  • Some respirators may be harder to tolerate or wear consistently than others.
  • A mask or respirator will be less effective if it fits poorly or if you wear it improperly or take it off frequently
  • A well-fitting mask may be better than a poor-fitting respirator. Some respirators may be less comfortable leading to less correct use.
  • It is important for respirators to form a seal to the face to work properly. Gaps can let air with respiratory droplets leak in and out around the edges of the mask. Gaps can be caused by choosing the wrong size or type of respirator or when a respirator is worn with facial hair.
  • High quality respirators are important if you are older, immunocompromised, not up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, or in higher risk situations
  • For a list of FDA-approved masks visit https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/n95list1-h.html
  • NIOSH and OSHA have developed a video and factsheet demonstrating how to determine if the respirator fits properly (user seal check) and how to properly put on and take off a respirator.

 

Resources


Get More COVID Data

For more data on Delaware COVID cases, testing and outcomes, including demographic breakdowns, go to My Healthy Community