The coronavirus outbreak’s recent surge could slow down significantly if everyone wore face masks, CDC Director Robert Redfield said on Tuesday.
Redfield said disciplined use of face coverings, social distancing and hand washing can close down the pandemic quicker than expected, according to USA Today.
Masks remain a “major” defense against the COVID-19 spread, he said.
Redfield said President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence could set an example by wearing masks, according to USA Today.
“If all of us would put on a face covering now for the next four weeks to six weeks, we could drive this epidemic to the ground in this country,” he said.
Experts recently told The Los Angeles Times that wearing face masks can stop people from spreading the coronavirus. It also might help keep you safe from getting it.
- “If you’re unlucky enough to encounter an infectious person, wearing any kind of face covering will reduce the amount of virus that your body will take in.”
- “Breathing in a small amount of virus may lead to no disease or far more mild infection. But inhaling a huge volume of virus particles can result in serious disease or death.”
- “Experts say masks are essential for people to wear when they go out in public, such as to shop or go to medical appointments, and to get exercise like heading to the beach or park.”