CDC urges use of universal mask indoors amid coronavirus outbreak



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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging Americans to wear masks indoors when not at home amid an outbreak of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and death. In a weekly morbidity and mortality report released on Friday, the health agency warned that the country had entered a “high-level transmission phase” of the new coronavirus.

“With colder weather, more time indoors, the ongoing US holiday season and the silent spread of the disease, with approximately 50% transmission from asymptomatic people, the United States is have entered a high-level transmission phase where a multi-pronged approach to implementing all evidence-based public health strategies at individual and community levels is essential, ”the report states.

Other strategies in addition to using the face shield include maintaining physical distance and limiting in-person contact, avoiding non-essential interior spaces and cluttered exterior spaces, increasing testing to identify and isolate quickly infected people, tracing contacts, protecting high-risk people, protecting essential workers, postponing trips, increasing room air ventilation and practicing hand hygiene, as well as the widespread availability of a vaccine.

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“In combination, these strategies can reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, long-term sequelae or disability, and death, and lessen the economic impact of the pandemic,” the report says.

The agency noted that stopping the spread is critical to keeping businesses and schools open.

The report was also careful to note that N95 respirators should be reserved for health workers and other medical responders, but that non-medical sheet masks or disposable masks, when used correctly, would suffice.

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“The use of a face mask is very important in indoor and outdoor spaces when the physical distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained,” the report said. “Within households, face masks should be used when a member of the household is infected or has recently been exposed to COVID-19.”

The use of the mask has been a hot topic of debate lately, with President-elect Joe Biden indicating that one of his first priorities will be to implement mask mandates nationwide. However, Fox News’ Dr Marc Siegel said such a warrant could backfire and “may in fact lead to a more pronounced rebellion against him.”

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The report comes on the same day that CDC director Dr Robert Redfield approved an advisory plan for vaccine distribution, with the limited initial supply of the eventual vaccine to be given to healthcare workers and healthcare facilities. long duration. Distribution is now dependent on FDA approval, with the regulatory agency scheduled to meet on December 10 to discuss Pfizer’s request for the EUA.

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