The Updated Debate on Wearing Face Masks

As the death toll increases due to COVID-19, new recommendations about wearing face masks have emerged, as CNN reported.

• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The organization recommends that if you are not sick, "you do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick." However, if you are sick, "You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider's office," the CDC said.
• The World Health Organization: WHO is standing by its recommendation to only wear a mask if you are sick or caring for someone who is sick. "Mask wearing by the general public is not among the WHO's recommendations," the organization said.
  

New York Times also noted that the White House is considering the CDC recommendation that Americans wear nonmedical masks as a precaution, but said the guidelines were voluntary. “I don’t think I’m going to be doing it,” President Trump said.

Newsworthy Developments for April 3, 2020

Reporting from the New York Times:

• C.D.C. says all Americans should wear masks. Trump says the rule is voluntary.
• New York State records its biggest daily death toll, and De Blasio pleads for the nation’s help.
• The Trump administration plans to pay hospitals for treating uninsured coronavirus patients, rather than expand insurance coverage.
• Justice delayed: The Supreme Court has postponed the last two weeks of arguments of its term.
• With joblessness soaring, Pelosi says it’s time to “go bigger” on another economic relief bill and wait on infrastructure.
• Half the planet is on lockdown, but not every U.S. state.
• Texas reports its largest outbreak at a nursing home. Its staff members worked in at least seven others.

COVID-19: U.S. at a Glance

Cases and Data

The following data comes from the most recent information published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Total cases: 239,279
• Total deaths: 5,443
• Jurisdictions reporting cases: 55 (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Marianas, and US Virgin Islands)

Current Sources and Origins

• Travel-related: 1,388
• Close contact: 4,325
• Under investigation: 233,566

Stay At Home States and Social Distancing Rules

More states across the country continue to impose or increase directives to keep people at home in efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus. For complete details, refer to our map of statewide and limited orders in place across the nation, which is updated each weekday.

We’re Here to Help

Oloop Technology Solutions is committed to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our workers, customers, and communities. We will continue to post regular updates. For further information and resources, we welcome you to check out our COVID-19 Resource Portal.

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash