Public Health Seattle King County now says non-medical masks can be worn

Public Health – Seattle & King County announced on April 1, 2020, that non-medical masks can now be utilized as an additional strategy in the fight against COVID-19. This guidance is crucial as it reserves medical masks for healthcare workers, who are facing significant supply shortages while serving on the front lines. Homemade masks can potentially block infectious droplets, especially from those who are infected but asymptomatic. Dr. Jeff Duchin highlighted that while these fabric masks might provide some benefit, they should not be viewed as reliable protection.

Essential public health measures, such as staying at home, maintaining social distance, frequent handwashing, and avoiding contact with the ill, must still be prioritized. The article also reports on the latest COVID-19 statistics, noting 2,496 confirmed cases and 164 deaths in the region. It calls for community solidarity in adhering to health guidelines, emphasizing that individual actions significantly impact public health. For further information, readers are directed to the King County COVID-19 response website.