There have been recent postings on social media in regard to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) masking information in response to COVID-19. The social media post asserts that WHO says only healthy people need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19. Please be aware that this is referencing medical masks and not cloth masks.
Continued confusion remains on masking. Please use the original, vetted source of information about COVID-19 for information. World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Washington State Department of Health, and Kittitas County Public Health Department.
Medical masks are for healthcare professionals, since they are in close contact with patients who have COVID-19.
Cloth masks do not keep droplets away from the wearer. Cloth masks keep your droplets (germs) to yourself and protect others.
COVID-19 can spread before symptoms show, so wearing a mask if you can’t keep social distance helps prevent spread.
Masking is NOT the only way to prevent exposure – we still need people to socially distance, wash their hands, avoid touching their face, and cover their cough.
Like with immunizations, the more people who wear masks, the safer the community.
Recommendations from vetted sites show their recent studies, so please use the sites listed above for more information.
Some people cannot wear a mask because of possible medical conditions.
If you prefer to not wear a mask, please do not have close proximity with others and continue to maintain at least six feet of distance at all times from non-household members.
If you have questions about your health, please contact your healthcare provider or you can call the Temporary COVID Clinic at KVH at 509-933-8850. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the Emergency Department at KVH. If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call the EOC at 509-933-8315 or 509-933-8305.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us.
