LANE COUNTY, Ore. --- The CDC is now recommending people wear face masks when going out to public places, such as the grocery store.
Health officials want to emphasize the importance of not rushing to get a medical or surgical mask. Appropriate facial covering can be made from your home.
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This recommendation came Friday, leaving many wondering if the community will take this recommendation seriously.
“It’s safest to have a mask on," Eugene resident Joe Cioli said. "It’s safest to wear gloves, to wipe things down with Bleach and to know how long it can live on surfaces.”
Many people in the community feel that this is a way for all of us to do our part.
"I think that if it helps me not spread the virus to somebody else, then it's something I can do to make it so other people are less at risk," Eugene resident Scott Martin said.
Martin said that he and his wife plan to make their own masks.
“I’m actually going to try to make one that’s serviceable for a few minutes, at least, so I can go grocery shopping without worrying about if I'm breathing on other people,” Martin said.
A mask does not make one immune to catching the virus, but it does help prevent the spread.
According to the CDC, a mask should fit snug but should allow room to breathe, and it is best if the mask includes multiple layers of fabric.
“Instead of questioning it or being a conspiracy theorist, accept it," Cioli said. "It really is happening. This isn’t a joke. That’s why everything is shut down.”
Officials want to make clear that wearing a mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
