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DOH-Collier Encourages the Use of Masks
September 04, 2020
Residents and visitors should wear masks in public settings
Naples, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) continues to recommend and encourage all residents and visitors to wear a mask or cloth face covering when in public settings and when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when widely used in public settings.
COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets. A mask is a simple barrier that prevents those droplets from traveling into the air when a person coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. The use of masks is very important in settings where people are close to each other (within six feet). COVID-19 can be spread by those who do not have symptoms and, therefore, do not know they are infected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all people age 2 years and older wear a mask in public settings, especially when social distancing is difficult to maintain. A mask should cover both your nose and your mouth and be secure under your chin and snug to the sides of the face.
Face shields are not recommended as a substitute for masks except for people who are deaf or hearing impaired. If a person coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice, droplets can still escape the shield as it is not tight to the face.
Face shields are not recommended as a substitute for masks except for people who are deaf or hearing impaired. If a person coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice, droplets can still escape the shield as it is not tight to the face.
- Practice social distancing. Stay at least six feet away from others.
- Avoid contact with those who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
For more information regarding COVID-19, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov/.
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The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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