County recommends use of cloth face coverings when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain

May 24, 2020

SOLANO COUNTY – As the County moves at an accelerated pace into Stage 2 of the Governor's Roadmap to Recovery, Solano County Public Health Officials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) all recommend wearing a cloth face covering in public, especially when maintaining six-feet of personal space is difficult or impossible to maintain.

"It is important to remember that while we are all working together to reopen retail shops, malls and dine-in restaurants, the coronavirus is still here in Solano County," says Bela T. Matyas, M.D., M.P.H, Solano County Public Health Officer.  “Wearing a cloth face covering, as recommended by the CDC and CDPH, is an additional way to protect yourself and others and can help slow the spread of the disease.  Also, we ask that people wear non-surgical, non-N-95 respirator face masks, as those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.”

In addition to purchasing pre-made cloth face coverings online, the CDC website provides guidance on making homemade face coverings from materials most people likely already have at home, including bandanas, cloth napkins, a pillowcase, flannel pajamas, cotton t-shirts, scissors and rubber bands.  The website also makes recommendations on how to properly wear the mask, how to clean it and how often.

As Solano County moves to relax its Stay-at-Home health order, we encourage all residents to continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health and Solano County Public Health social distancing best practices, including wearing a cloth face mask outside your home whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained, maintaining a physical distance of six-feet from others, practicing coughing and sneezing etiquette, using a hand sanitizer or washing your hands for at least 20-seconds and to stay at home if you’re not feeling well.  Businesses that are permitted to reopen must abide by the social distancing requirements in the County’s and State’s Orders.

For more information about Solano County’s Roadmap to Recovery, social distancing protocol and frequently asked questions about the phased reopening, visit the Solano County website at www.SolanoCounty.com/COVID19 and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SolanoCountyPH.