April 6, 2020 3:50 a.m.
With federal health officials recommending that people consider wearing masks in public, information from the Oregon Health Authority says staying home and avoiding all non-essential contact with others continues to be the most important thing to do to stay healthy and keep others healthy as well.
A release from OHA said people should stay at least 6 feet apart from others at all times.
Before deciding whether to wear a mask, OHA recommends people keep two considerations central:
*Medical masks should be reserved for health care providers who are at the front lines working with patients most likely to have COVID-19. Those masks are in short supply and its critically important that health care workers have the equipment they need to do their jobs, according to OHA.
*Non-medical mask use, such as homemade fabric masks, does not replace the need to follow guidance to stay home and limit contact with others. It does not replace frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, and staying away from all people who are ill.
The release said those who are sick should isolate themselves and stay away from work, family and friends until 72 hours after both fever and cough have resolved, with the use of fever-reducing medication.