Linn Co. Public Health Recommends Masks

It seems like everyone is coming out with their recommendations on wearing face coverings. Businesses, city and local government, and even some states are asking and requiring you to put on a mask. Linn County Public Health has joined that group.

CBS2 reports that Linn County Public Health is strongly recommending that all residents and visitors to the area wear a cloth face covering when out in public settings and when around people who do not live in your household, especially when social distancing is hard to do. The recommendations follow closely the Iowa Department of Public Health's recently launched #StepUpMaskUpIA campaign that urges all Iowans to wear masks.

Why the recommendation? It's based on science. Research shows that a person with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to other people before they even develop symptoms that would let them know they're sick. A person can also be asymptomatic and show no symptoms but still be contagious. CBS2 reports that research and case studies show that wearing a mask or face covering can prevent people who have COVID from spreading it to other people.

Linn County Public Health officials say that wearing a mask shows that you care about your friends, neighbors, and relatives, and is a simple way to protect the community. CBS2 reports that they also suggest the following while wearing a mask.

• Make sure you can breathe through it.
• Wear it whenever you go out into public.
• Make sure it covers your nose and mouth.
• Wash after using.

There are some individuals who shouldn't wear a mask, including children 2 years of age and younger, and anyone with difficulty breathing.