UPDATE: At his Friday afternoon press conference, President Trump said his administration now is recommending the public wear cloth face masks–though he won’t wear one.
Following the lead of mayors in New York and Los Angeles, Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty on Friday urged residents to wear masks if they must venture outside.
He recommended covering your nose and mouth with washable, re-usable scarves, bandanas and neck gaiters, saying that scarce N95 masks and surgical masks should be reserved for first responders.
The White House and federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are weighing whether to issue similar guidance, according to news reports.
Earlier this week, President Trump suggested that covering your mouth with a scarf might provide some protection against the coronavirus.
Some health care professionals are urging the government to recommend everyone wear masks, contending that even home-made masks may help slow the spread of the virus.
UPDATE: The Surgeon General shows a DIY mask:
Others say masks can give a false sense of security, especially if used improperly. According to the World Health Organization:
- If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
W.H.O. tips for proper use of masks are here.
Dougherty’s recommendation comes as Morristown’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has risen to 95. Morris Township is reporting 75 cases.
Morris County has 1,298 positive test results, and 43 deaths as of Friday. Statewide, 646 have died, and nearly 30,000 residents have tested positive. Gov. Murphy ordered flags lowered to half-staff in memory of the dead.
Across the United States, 6,699 have died 261,438 individuals have tested positive. Worldwide, more than 1 million infections have been confirmed, and more than 58,000 people have died.
Dougherty said masks are not an excuse for violating the state’s stay-at-home order and social-distancing mandates. One only should head out for essential tasks such as emergencies, food or gas, he said, and a six-foot distance with others should be maintained.
“We are all in this together. We must be smart, safe, and diligent. We must consider the health and well being of ourselves and those around us,” the mayor said.
The mayor’s statement is below.
From Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty:
Mayor urges residents to wear face masks in public MORRISTOWN –
Mayor Timothy Dougherty is urging all Morristown residents who go out in public wear protective face masks, in an effort to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
“As new information becomes available from the state and federal government, the WHO, and the CDC concerning the spread of the virus, I urge everyone to take these necessary steps to slow its spread,” Mayor Dougherty said.
The Mayor stresses that the public do not purchase masks intended or reserved for medical staff and professionals; this includes N95 and surgical masks.
Our first responders need these masks. It is our responsibility as residents to ensure they have access to them.
The Mayor also said anyone performing essential tasks such as food shopping should wear these face coverings, following the example other cities and nations.
The face coverings do not have to be hospital grade but need to cover the nose and mouth. For example, fabric covers like scarves or bandanas and neck gaiters which can be washed and reused.
Today’s recommendation is not a substitute for the state’s stay-at-home order. Residents should not leave their homes unless for reasons outlined by the Governor’s Office, such as for emergencies or for food or gas.
Morristown is the latest municipality to push for facial protection. Earlier this week, mayors across the country began urging their residents to wear protective masks in public, including Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles, California, and Mayor Bill de Blasio in New York City.
“The recommendations that Mayor Garcetti and Mayor de Blasio have made to their residents was a step beyond the CDC’s guidelines,” said Mayor Dougherty. “And while we all continue to follow the CDC for guidance, there are additional actions we can take independently to help slow the virus.”
Wearing a mask does not replace or act as an alternative to current physical distancing protocol, handwashing procedures, or any other guidelines produced by the CDC.
Residents should take today’s suggestion in tandem with existing safety practices. As of April 3, 2020, the Town of Morristown has confirmed 95 cases of COVID-19 in town. Morris County has confirmed 1,082 cases.
“We are all in this together. We must be smart, safe, and diligent. We must consider the health and well being of ourselves and those around us,” said the mayor. “And we must listen to the experts – they are the ones guiding us through this new reality and I thank them every day for their care and wisdom.”
The Town of Morristown reminds residents to heed the advice of medical professionals. Follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov, the World Health Organization at who.int, the State of New Jersey for updates at covid19.nj.gov, and The Town of Morristown online at townofmorristown.org, and on Facebook for regular updates.
I have read that some grocery stores and pharmacies are not allowing their workers to wear masks or gloves. How about a list of those that are encouraging staff to be safe so we can patronize those stores?