While there is no guarantee that wearing a facemask will prevent a person from getting infected with COVID-19, it can help prevent the spread of the virus for health care workers and family members who are taking care of someone that is already infected. In general, however, wearing a mask is not recommended by the CDC. The World Health Organization has made the following recommendations about masks:
- Not everyone needs to wear a mask; only those who are caring for a person suspected of having coronavirus
- People who are coughing or sneezing should wear a mask
- Wearing a mask is only effective when used properly and combined with frequent hand washing