Montgomery Township Health Department and Board of Health are now suggesting that residents wear masks when outside of the home in public spaces. A homemade cloth mask, or even a bandana or scarf, "may give the average person a little extra protection against catching (or spreading) the virus," according to the board of health.
The number of local COVID19 cases continues to increase. As of April 2, Montgomery had a total of 21 COVID-19 cases. Rocky Hill had two cases.
This represents only laboratory-confirmed cases, and does not include people who are sick but unable to be tested.
Age ranges of cases in Montgomery and Rocky Hill:
2 <20
3 20-29
3 30-39
3 40-49
6 50-59
6 60-69The health department advises individuals experiencing cough and fever, to isolate themselves from well family members, and to stay home for three days after symptoms resolve without medications. If symptoms worsen, contact a health care provider for a telemedicine consultation.
“We continue to stress the importance of washing hands, maintaining social distancing, and staying home,“ according to the department website.
PUBLIC MASKING GUIDANCE
The Montgomery Township Board of Health joins with the Center for Health Security, Bloomberg-Harvard City Leadership Institute, and Public Health experts from multiple nations, in promoting use of masks among the general public when out on essential trips.
Masks should be worn outside of the home in public spaces.
Let’s be clear: Professionally made masks and N95s must be saved for hospital workers who are putting their lives on the line in this battle.
But homemade cloth masks, or even a bandana or scarf may give the average person a little extra protection against catching (or spreading) the virus.
Here are some general guidelines for using a homemade mask:
The mask should be washed in hot soapy water (or machine washed) before first use, and after every trip in public (e.g. grocery store)
Wash your hands before touching the clean mask.
Mask must be placed over both your nose and your mouth to be effective.
While in use, you can’t drink, eat, or smoke or this will not provide protection.
Don’t fiddle with or fidget with the mask. Don’t touch your face.
If the mask becomes wet or contaminated, it’s time to change it out and launder.
This is not a magic bullet. This is not an N95, nor even a surgical mask. A scarf or homemade mask won’t stop aerosols (ultra-fine mists from singing or speaking), but can add some protection for both you and those around you by reducing droplet spread.
This does NOT reduce the need to stay at home for all but the most essential trips.
Stay home. Save Lives. Stop the spread.
Do you like to sew? You can help your community by making masks for your family and your neighbors. For instructions, and other ways to help increase the supply of homemade masks, check out https://themasksquad.com/ or on Facebook, see Somerset NJ Mask Squad.
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