Governor Tom Wolf recommended today that all Pennsylvanians wear a mask any time they leave their homes for life-sustaining reasons, as COVID-19 cases increased to 8,420 in Pennsylvania and 19 in Adams County.
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“Wearing a mask will help us cut down the possibility that we might be infecting an innocent bystander, like the grocery store cashier, the pharmacist, or someone stocking shelves,” Gov. Wolf said. “These people are keeping us alive by getting us the supplies we need. We owe it to them to do everything we can to keep them safe. Right now, that means wearing a mask.”
“Masks help prevent people from sharing illnesses. But, they don’t do a great job at keeping people from getting sick; and, they’re not foolproof, so it is critical that our first act is to ask ourselves if we really need to leave our house. If we don’t really, truly need to leave, then we shouldn’t,” said Wolf.
“Staying home is the most effective way to protect yourself and others against COVID-19,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. “But, if you must go out because you are out of food or medication, then wearing a mask, or even a bandana across your nose and mouth, could be an extra layer of protection.
“You don’t need a surgical mask – we need those for our health care workers and first responders. We have guidance on universal masking on our website, including instructions on how to make your own mask using materials you have at home,” said Levine.