The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay at home, wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, avoid being around sick people, stay home if you’re sick, and continue to practice social distancing.

A face cover is a piece of fabric such as cotton, silk or linen that covers the entire nose and mouth.  They can be handmade using everyday items such as bandanas, scarfs, T-shirts or towels.

It is important to note that a face covering is not a commercially produced “mask” such as an N-95 or surgical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare providers to treat patients during the COVID-19 emergency.  Commercially produced masks are not recommended by the Orange County Health Care Agency and the California Department of Public Health for use as a face covering at this time.