Statement from Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez on the use of cloth face coverings

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued revised guidelines that suggest that the use of simple cloth face coverings will aid in slowing the spread of COVID-19. This can be one of many protections people can take because even people who do not have symptoms can transmit the virus to others.

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as at grocery stores and pharmacies, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

Cloth face coverings fashioned from scarfs or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

However, these coverings can give a false sense of security to those wearing them. Let me stress once again that everyone — even when wearing a face covering — should act as if they are carrying the virus and practice social distancing, maintaining six feet between themselves and others.

Social distancing is crucial to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. The CDC will make additional recommendations as the evidence regarding appropriate public health measures continues to develop.

All of the Emergency Orders I have signed include references to CDC guidelines and the importance of staying informed and following the most recent guidelines. In particular, Emergency Orders 10-20, 13-20 and 17-20 call for social distancing and following CDC guidelines in public places and when visiting or working in essential commercial and retail establishments. 

I urge all residents of Miami-Dade County to follow all the guidelines to protect yourselves and your neighbors.

Remember, you are safer at home, but if you do have to go out, you must practice social distancing and follow all CDC recommendations.