President Donald Trump said on Friday that the CDC will begin recommending the public use non-medical or non-surgical grade masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Trump added that masks intended for medical professional not be used by the public.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official, says “the better part of valor” is that people should wear some kind of facial covering when they go out, if they can't maintain the recommended 6-foot social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Officials are suggesting that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when people go outside — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is making clear that the emerging new guidance from the White House isn't intended to take away from the availability of medical-grade masks needed for health care providers.
Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.
The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who aren’t showing symptoms of COVID-19.
