ALAMOSA– The Alamosa County Public Health Department is recommending covering one’s nose and mouth when leaving the home for essential travel, such as to the grocery store, doctor, or pharmacy. Safely cover your face with a bandanna or homemade cotton face covering, reserving hospital-grade masks for healthcare workers and those who are sick.

Studies indicate that there is no reason to not use a face covering as a precaution and that wearing something over your nose and mouth can provide an additional layer of protection when you go out. Many people aren’t aware that they can spread COVID-19 when they do not have symptoms or have even mild symptoms. The spread of COVID-19 primarily occurs through the spread of airborne droplets from the infected individual, which fabrics can help filter. A face covering lessens the risk for a healthy individual to breathe in droplets as well as lessens the spread from those who may not realize that they are sick. When face coverings are combined with frequent handwashing, they may help reduce the transmissions of COVID-19.

Wearing face coverings also sends a strong message to others that we are not living in normal times and that we all need to change our behaviors to help stop the spread. Also, face coverings are a good way to remember to not touch your face and will make you conscious of trying to touch your nose and mouth.

Alamosa County Public Health continues to stress staying home unless essential and reminds everyone that when going out, you must stay at least six feet away from others at all times.

How to safely adhere a face covering:

• Tie long hair back.
• Wash your hands.
• Secure the face covering over your nose and mouth.
• DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE OR FACE COVERING.
• Leave the covering on until you can safely remove it.
• Remove your face covering immediately if it becomes wet or if you feel you have come into contact with someone who is sick.

How to safely remove a face covering:

• Wash your hands.
• Grab the face covering by the area around your ears.
• Take the covering off, keeping the outside of it well away from your face, and place directly into the washing machine.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

For the most up-to-date information, go to SLVEmergency.org/slv-covid-19