They are recommended if you or a family member is at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 (people over 60 years old or with underlying health conditions), or if you are caring for someone with COVID-19. Medical masks: Medical masks are in short supply globally because of the pandemic. Non-medical masks (also called fabric masks or face coverings): If you and your family live in a place where COVID-19 is widespread and don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms, then non-medical masks are recommended.

What type of mask should I get for my family? By taking these steps together, we can beat COVID-19. But it’s not always possible to keep a distance from others in crowded public places, which is why the use of a fabric mask in such settings is recommended to protect each other.īut remember, a mask alone won’t prevent the spread of COVID-19 – we all need to continue practicing physical distancing and washing our hands frequently.

That is one of the reasons why physical distancing is so important in places where COVID-19 is widespread. While research is ongoing, we now know that the virus can be spread by people not showing symptoms, meaning some people can be contagious and not even realize it. One of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads is through respiratory droplets that people expel when they talk, sing, cough or sneeze.

Tali without her mask