CDC and WHO Face Mask Guidelines For COVID-19
Public health officials from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC), as well at the World Health Organization (WHO) have both recommended the use of face coverings during the coronavirus pandemic. Each organization has stated that non-medical cloth face coverings can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Mask-wearing prevents the spread of the virus by preventing respiratory droplets from transferring from person to person when in close contact. There is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there surrounding the use of face masks. Below is some important information regarding the CDC and WHO face covering guidelines.
What are the CDC and WHO guidelines?
- Be sure to practice frequent hand washing. You should be washing your hands regularly and thoroughly.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when out in public and when hand washing is not an option.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and always practice coughing or sneezing into your elbow area.
- Wear a cloth mask or face covering when social distancing is not possible in public settings such as the grocery store, public transportation, or other places you cannot maintain a distance of at least 3-6 feet apart from other people. You do not need to wear a mask when you are alone in your car or where social distancing is possible.
- Face masks should consist of three layers. This will ideally be two fabric layers with a pocket to place a filter insert.
- If you feel sick, stay home and avoid public spaces.
Who should wear a mask?
The CDC recommends that anyone over the age of 2 wear a mask in public spaces when social distancing is not possible. Masks should also be worn when around people who don’t live in your household when you are not able to maintain a safe social distance.
Masks should NOT be worn by anyone under the age of 2, or people who have trouble breathing normally.
Other important mask guidelines:
The World Health Organization notes that cloth face masks should not be considered personal protective equipment (PPE). Only medical-grade masks should be worn in health care settings.
The type of mask you choose can vary as long as it follows the general guidelines and is ideally 3 layers. Wearing a bandana or simply pulling t-shirts up over your nose and mouth does not provide enough coverage to prevent possible coronavirus disease spread.
If you have additional questions regarding CDC or WHO guidelines, we encourage you to visit their websites.
Do Easy Masks meet CDC and WHO guidelines?
Yes, absolutely! Easy Masks are comfortable, breathable face masks, with stretchy ear loops that help keep your mask in place. When worn and cared for correctly, our reusable face masks will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by the transfer of respiratory droplets. For more information on our masks, visit or FAQ page.
Justin Thomas
Co-Founder of Easy Masks