The community spread of COVID-19 is still active in Dallas County and many others around the state, and the Iowa Department of Public Health reminds people that an effective way to mitigate the outbreak is to wear face masks in public.

However, Dallas County Health Department Health Navigator and Public Information Officer Ann Cochran emphasizes that in order for a mask to do its job, it must be worn properly. She says a mask should cover from the bridge of a person’s nose to below their chin and should be wider than their eyes, so as to cover their entire mouth and nose. She points out that the droplets from your lungs are what spread the virus, and a mask worn in this fashion keeps yours to yourself and helps prevent others’ getting to you.

Cochran adds, it’s important for people to keep masks on at all times when out in public, especially when conversing with others. “I know some people will have one on, and then when they go to talk to somebody their voice seems a little muffled, so they’ll pull the mask down so they can be heard more clearly. And that totally defeats the whole purpose of the mask, because when you’re speaking the droplets are coming right out. And so it’s important to leave the mask on.”

Cochran reminds people the best way to curb the coronavirus spread is to stay home, but when venturing to public places is unavoidable you should wear some kind of face covering. To learn more about this and other recommendations from the Dallas County Health Department, click the link below to listen to the recent Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Cochran.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2020/04/29/lets-talk-dallas-county-4-29-2020-ann-cochran/