The CDC now recommends everyone wear a cloth face mask in public — here are some of the highest-rated options on Etsy

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• With medical-grade surgical masks and N-95 masks in extremely high demand for healthcare workers and COVID-19 patients, the CDC suggests that the general public not buy them in an effort to keep them in stock for people who need them most.
• Instead, the CDC is now recommending that all people wear some sort of cloth face covering when in public — whether it be a homemade mask, a scarf, or a bandana.
• Wearing a cloth mask won't completely protect you from contracting the new coronavirus, but it can greatly reduce the possibility of spreading it, whether you're showing symptoms or not.
• Etsy has become a popular place to shop for homemade masks, so we rounded up seven highly-rated options. However, we recommend specifically choosing ones with adjustable nose bridges and room for filters.

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, medical-grade surgical masks and N95 respirators are in extremely high demand. However, the CDC has issued guidance that recommends all medical-grade masks and respirator supplies be reserved for sick patients and healthcare workers on the front lines.

Instead, the CDC is now recommending that everyone wear cloth masks when leaving the house for essential trips to public places like grocery stores, pharmacies, or mandatory hospital and doctor visits.

With some states requiring that everyone outside wear face coverings and certain businesses making them mandatory for entry or service, people are resorting to buying homemade masks, and Etsy has become a popular place to find them.

It's worth noting that items sold on Etsy, such as masks and hand sanitizers, aren't medical-grade, and that Etsy sellers cannot make medical or health claims. However, the CDC has created a list of recommended guidelines for people interested in creating them at home for personal use or for selling online.

Why is it important to wear a face mask?

Wearing a cloth face mask may not prevent you from contracting the coronavirus or any other virus, but it can greatly decrease the likelihood of spreading germs from the wearer.

It's important for everyone to wear a mask because viruses have varied effects on people. According to Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, somewhere between 25% and 50% of people infected with the new coronavirus may never show symptoms or become ill.

Whether you're asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, or showing mild symptoms that could be brushed off as a common cold, there's still a possibility you've contracted the new coronavirus and can unknowingly spread it to others. Wearing face masks limits other people's exposure to the virus.

The CDC recommends that face masks have the following features:

• • A snug fit that sits comfortably against the side of the face
  • Ties or ear loops that keep it secure
  • Multiple layers of fabric
  • Allow for breathing without restriction
  • The ability to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

To help you pick out cloth masks for you and your family, we've rounded up some of the highest-rated options on Etsy. When shopping, you'll want to be mindful of long delivery times due to high demand and no returns due to the nature of the product.

Although we haven't tested them personally, these options have gotten solid reviews from customers. You can also check out specific categories here to meet your needs:

• Masks with filters
• Washable masks
• Patterned masks
• Kids' masks
• Scarves
• Bandanas

Shop all non-medical face masks on Etsy, or see top-rated options belowRead the original article on Insider