Face Masks and Virus Protection

Can a face mask protect you from coronavirus? Lately there have been many arguments over the efficacy of face masks – if you can find them, that is! Most public health officials are saying that a healthy person going about their day wearing a mask is unnecessary. Masks are most helpful for people who already have the virus – to keep them from spreading it – or for health workers who must be in close proximity to people who have symptoms. A fact sheet from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), About Masks and Respirators, provides guidance on the use of face masks during a pandemic. This short publication offers helpful answers to your questions about differences between types of face masks, who should use them, and how they can be used most effectively.

Current updates on coronavirus in Colorado can be found on a new website from CDPHE and the State Emergency Operations Center, https://covid19.stg.colorado.gov/.