A new recommendation has just recently come from the CDC (or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), stating that all Americans should wear a cloth face mask when going outside. This sparks the question of whether this really necessary, and should you be doing it?

Most people immediately think it is to prevent themselves from contracting the virus, but that is actually not the case. Masks were recommended for one purpose, to stop people who are asymptomatic from spreading COVID-19. There is an unknown number of people that have the coronavirus and aren’t showing any symptoms. The cloth mask can ensure that these people aren’t spreading the virus any further. 

The CDC also stresses that everyone should not be using medical-grade masks, such as surgical masks and N-95 masks, which are in high demand. Currently, hospitals are having a hard time sourcing medical-grade face masks. In fact, some hospitals have asked people to sew face masks for healthcare workers because of shortages.

So should you be wearing a face mask outside? Well, it’s not mandatory, but it is not for your health but for the health of others who can’t fight the virus off. So the answer is yes, you should wear a mask when you go places to protect those around you. 

On that note, it is also important that you limit the places you go to. Try to only go out if it is an essential need, like for groceries. Social distancing and staying home is key for the same reason that you should wear a mask; to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The state of Missouri issued a stay at home order, so leaving your house only when necessary is especially important now. 

While wearing a mask may seem a little unnecessary, it is vital that drastic measures are taken to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. If it means wearing a mask for a little while to save lives, it is worth wearing it for every minute you go outside.