As we learn more about the nature of the coronavirus, evidence is mounting for the effectiveness of cloth face coverings in reducing its transmission. When we wear facemasks, the droplets and aerosols emitted when we cough, sneeze, laugh, sing or talk cannot travel as far. Coronavirus primarily is spread when these tiny, even microscopic particles containing the virus travel through the air and enter the eyes, nose or mouth of another person. Without a mask, droplets can travel six feet or more and aerosols can hang in the air. By wearing one, we limit the distance of any infectious particles travel to a few inches.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines for the use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of coronavirus, and the disease it causes, known as COVID-19. Our Keenan SafeSchools online course Coronavirus: CDC Guidelines for Making & Using Cloth Face Coverings discusses best practices for wearing cloth face coverings and includes tutorials for sew and no-sew methods for creating face coverings as recommended by the CDC. These instructions will help staff, faculty, parents and students understand the use of face coverings.
As schools consider returning to classrooms in person, the use of cloth face coverings to mutually protect students and staff – and the families we go home to – will be a key ingredient for a successful, healthy return to campus. Until the pandemic ends, facemasks in schools should be a universal requirement. Remember, masks don’t protect the wearer from the disease; everyone wears a mask to protect others from getting it. Since it’s been shown that persons who have no symptoms of COVID-19 are capable of spreading the virus, this is especially important for containing infection.
You can gain free access to this and our other Keenan SafeSchools coronavirus training courses by contacting your local Keenan representative. The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is changing constantly, and the latest guidelines may vary state to state. Please refer to your local government resources, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the latest, up-to-date information.