Attachment B - Kentucky Public Health Guidance.pdf
PDF 269 KB Posted
- Attached to
- CLOTH MASKS FOR COVID-19
- Solicitation number
- RFB 758 2000000641 3
- Issued by
- Elliott County, Kentucky
About this file
This is a public health guidance document issued by the State of Kentucky on April 4, 2020, addressing the use of cloth face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance establishes that while the novel coronavirus spreads through saliva and nasal secretions from coughs, sneezes, singing, and talking, social distancing of greater than 6-10 feet remains the primary and most effective measure for reducing transmission. The document clarifies that cloth face masks do not filter virus particles and therefore do not prevent infection; however, they may reduce the risk of asymptomatic transmission during the period after infection but before symptom development. The guidance specifies that masks are recommended only in settings where essential activities make social distancing difficult to maintain, such as in stores or when performing essential services.
The document establishes that cloth mask wearing is a voluntary public health measure for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and includes specific usage requirements: individuals must avoid touching their faces while wearing masks and must continue to maintain social distancing protocols. The guidance explicitly prohibits the use of surgical masks and N95 respirators by the general public, directing that these scarce resources be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders who face repeated high-risk exposure to COVID-19 patients. No pricing, set-asides, funding requirements, or contract terms are addressed in this guidance document, which serves solely as an informational public health directive.
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Text version
April 4, 2020
GUIDANCE ON CLOTH FACE MASKS
o The novel coronavirus causing COVID-19 can be spread through saliva and nasal secretions produced by coughs, sneezes, singing, and talking.
o Social distancing measures remain the primary and most effective steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a mask of any sort does NOT replace state-required social distancing measures, including maintaining a >6 – 10 feet distance from other people.
o In settings where essential activities make social distancing more difficult to maintain (i.e. performing essential services or in stores), the CDC advises that wearing a cloth face mask may help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
o Cloth masks do not have the proper design or necessary materials to filter out virus particles and therefore do not ensure you will not become infected by COVID-19.
o Wearing a cloth face mask may, however, reduce the risk of someone infected with COVID-19 unknowingly spreading the infection during the period of time after they have become infected but before they have developed symptoms (possibly 2 or more days).
o Therefore, wearing a cloth face mask in public when social distancing > 6 –
10 feet apart is difficult may help reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading.
o When wearing a cloth face mask, you must not touch your face.
o When wearing a cloth face mask, you must still maintain social distancing.
o Do not wear surgical masks or N95 masks. Those scarce resources must be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders who face high-risk COVID-19 patients numerous times every day.
o This is a voluntary public health measure for Team Kentucky.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .