As the coronavirus continues to spread, more people are buying face masks.
However, the U.S. Surgeon General took to Twitter Saturday to tell people to stop buying them.
"They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!" the Surgeon General tweeted.
Seriously people- STOP BUYING MASKS!
They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!
https://t.co/UxZRwxxKL9
— U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) February 29, 2020
Face masks are in high demand right now as people stock up because of the coronavirus and flu season.
Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website for the best ways to prevent the coronavirus and other respiratory diseases. It recommends the following preventive actions:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home from school or work when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
In Wisconsin, there's been one confirmed case in Dane County of the coronavirus. However, that person has now tested negative twice after spending 29 days in isolation. They were released from isolation Friday.
