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New Travis County stay-at-home order requires face masks
When Travis County issued a new stay-at-home order last week officials required people to wear face coverings when going anywhere in public, but are people following that recommendation?
AUSTIN, Texas - Earlier this month Austin health officials recommended that everyone wear face masks when conducting essential activities outside their home to further slow the spread of COVID19.
When Travis County issued a new stay-at-home order last week, officials required people to wear face coverings when going anywhere in public, but are people following the order?
Mayor Steve Adler took to Twitter Monday afternoon, sharing what the city council has been encouraging for weeks.
“During this unprecedented time, we want to remind everyone to take real seriously the safety precautions that have been sent out by state and local officials. It’s the responsibility of every Austinite to stay home and to work safe. This is how we help each other through this difficult time. We do it for our city," Adler said.
Earlier this month the CDC and Austin health officials recommended people to wear additional personal protective equipment when leaving their homes to help flatten the curve in our community.
RELATED: Austin Mayor Adler responds to Gov. Abbott's plan to reopen Texas
If you have left your home, you’ve probably noticed not everyone is on the same page. On Monday afternoon, only a few face masks were in sight and not so much social distancing at Auditorium Shores. Meanwhile in North Austin, as shoppers waited to go inside H-E-B, almost everyone had masks on.
Also in Mayor Adler’s video Monday, multiple council members reiterated why it’s important to listen to officials. “We do it for local businesses, we do it for our community,” they added.
They also say protecting yourself is helping your neighbors too, like coworkers, friends, seniors, first responders, health professionals, parents, children and our future.
RELATED: Williamson County mask brigade starts production of masks to help with COVID-19 response
As a reminder when you’re outside your home, Austin Public Health says cloth face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for breathing without restriction, and must have the ability to be washed.
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TUTORIAL: Making your own fabric face covering
The CDC is now recommending that the general public wear cloth face coverings when outside their home in public areas. FOX 7 Austin's Jane Lonsdale is live from Auditorium Shores and shows how you can make one at home.
APH adds face coverings are NOT a substitute for physical distancing measures and to continue maintaining six feet of distance between individuals when away from home.
The CDC says cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under two years old, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove the mask without assistance.
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