Manley Highlights Importance of Wearing Face Mask in Public

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – To continue her efforts to help local residents stay up-to-date on the most recent developments throughout the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet is highlighting the CDC’s recent recommendation to wear face masks or other coverings while in public.

“To protect our health care workers, first responders and other essential workers it is critical that we each continue to abide by Gov. Pritzker’s stay at home order, and only go out when absolutely necessary, like to get groceries,” said Manley. “When you do need to go to the grocery store, it can be very difficult to follow social distancing recommendations so wearing a face mask, or other covering for your mouth and nose, is the best way to protect yourself, other shoppers and grocery store employees.”

Manley is urging residents to follow the CDC’s recommendation of wearing a cloth face mask when in public settings where staying at least six feet apart from other individuals is difficult, like at the grocery store. The cloth face coverings the CDC is recommending be worn should:

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Include multiple layers of fabric
• Allow for breathing without restriction
• Be able to be machine washed and dried without damage or change to shape

For more information on the importance of wearing face masks in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19, or for instructions on how to make your own face and nose covering, visit the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

“While surgical masks and other personal protective equipment should be reserved exclusively for essential employees fighting COVID-19 on the front lines, making your own mask that completely covers your mouth and nose at home is easy and can dramatically decrease your risk of exposure,” continued Manley. “I urge residents to continue doing their part to help flatten the curve by staying home as much as possible and wearing a face mask when going out in public.”

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