The Tucker County Health Department and Tucker County Office of Emergency Management are supporting the recommendation from the CDC regarding cloth face coverings. In continuing to respond to this situation, we recommend wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, especially where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
“CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.” -CDC Website
According to the CDC, fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted. Local health departments, health care facilities, and hospitals can sterilize these masks and use them repeatedly as needed. Homemade masks will only be used as a last resort as they are not considered to be personal protective equipment since their capability to protect healthcare providers unknown. However, while we understand it is less than ideal, we want to do our best to protect all those providing care during this pandemic.
This link has information on cloth face coverings, including how to make them at home. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Orders for standard/disposable masks are on long back-orders, due to demand and supply chain issues. We are trying to protect our county’s essential service personnel on the front lines as we respond to COVID-19. YOU CAN HELP by sewing face masks that can be used if there are no other supplies available. You can use the link above to see a pattern and make masks at home and then call any of these facilities about dropping off masks:
Tucker County Health Department 304-478-3572
Cortland Acres Long-term Care & Rehab Center 304-463-4181
Mt. Top Medical Clinic 304-463-3331
St. George Medical Clinic 304-478-3339
Tucker County EMS 304-614-2180