Cloth face covers are recommended as a clear shield to help prevent water droplets from spreading into the air and to other people when the person wearing the cloth face covers coughing, sneezing, speaking or raising their voice. It is called monitoring source.
His suggestion is focused on what we know about the role of respiratory droplets in the spread of the COVID-19-causing virus, combined with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies showing that cloth face coverings minimize droplet spray when worn over the nose and mouth. COVID-19 spreads primarily among people who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet), so it is particularly important to use cloth face coverings in settings where people are close to each other or where social distance is difficult to maintain.

Who Should Wear A Cloth Face Covering?

General public

  • CDC recommends all people 2 years of age and older wear a cloth face covering in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
  • COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. That’s why it’s important for everyone to wear cloth face coverings in public settings and practice social distancing (staying at least 6 feet away from other people).
  • While cloth face coverings are strongly encouraged to reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recognizes there are specific instances when wearing a cloth face covering may not be feasible. In these instances, adaptations, and alternatives should be considered whenever possible (see below for examples).

People who know or think they might have COVID-19

  • If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, do not visit public areas. Stay home except to get medical care. As much as possible stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets  in your home. If you need to be around other people or animals, wear a cloth face covering (including in your home).
  • The cloth face covering helps prevent a person who is sick from spreading the virus to others. It helps keep respiratory droplets contained and from reaching other people.