Dutchess County Encouraging Everyone to Wear Cloth Masks
Department of Behavioral & Community Health and CDC issue guidance
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and Dr. Anil Vaidian, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) are advising face coverings should be worn by everyone outside of their homes to help protect against Coronavirus, including essential workers in the retail, service and other industries. This directive comes after the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released official guidance recommending people wear cloth face 
coverings in settings where ample social distancing may not be adequate to stop the spread of COVID-19.
However, wearing a mask is NOT a substitute for social distancing, and individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash their hands immediately after removing.
Cloth face masks can be made out of inexpensive household materials. For more options and detailed instructions on how to construct a cloth facemask, visit the CDC’s website.
It is critical surgical masks and N-95 respirators continued to be reserved and prioritized for healthcare, public health workers and first responders.
