The White House announced that the CDC is recommending Americans wear cloth masks or face coverings in public to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, President Trump said at a press briefing on Friday — emphasizing the guidance is "voluntary."
Why it matters: The use of face coverings could stop people who have the virus, whether they have symptoms or not, from spreading it further when they go out in public.
- As researchers learn more about the virus, it's becoming apparent that asymptomatic carriers are likely contributing to its spread.
- The guidance is a significant change in messaging from the Trump administration, which initially advised against healthy people using masks.
What they're saying: "The CDC is recommending that Americans wear a basic cloth or a fabric mask that can be purchased online or made at home," Trump said on Friday.
- "I'm choosing not to do it, but some people want to do it and that's okay ... it's only a recommendation, it's voluntary."
- Trump said the White House is not advising that Americans use surgical grade or medical grade masks, since "medical protective gear must be preserved for the front line workers."
- The recommendation does not replace CDC guidance on social distancing, Trump said.
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