The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) now recommend wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, including all stores, post office, or pharmacies. In addition to practicing social distancing, cloth face coverings help slow the spread of COVID-19 and help those who may unknowingly have the virus from transmitting it to others. Individuals should wear a mask or face covering when they must leave their home.
- The covering can be a scarf, a bandana, or a mask you make at home. Learn from the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, how to make your own easy cloth face covering by clicking here.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the mask. Make sure to wash your hands immediately after removing it. Clean the mask frequently by using a washing machine.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age two, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Cloth face coverings should:
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face and be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric and allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
If you are in need of a cloth face covering and unable to make your own, please contact the River Forest COVID-19 Senior Citizen Response Program at 708-613-1642 or rfseniorhelp@gmail.com.
For full information on COVID-19, click here.