MDHHS asks Michiganders to “Mask Up, Mask Right”

DETROIT – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching an initiative to get Michiganders to not only mask, but mask well.

“Science is already settled: masks protect others from COVID, and protect the wearer,” said Robert Gordon, MDHHS director. “It’s important to wear the right mask and wear it the right way. We want all Michiganders to wear masks, as we continue to fight the virus in our state. ”

Masking on the right includes wearing one of three mask options that offer stronger protection: three-layer washable fabric facial coatings, medical-grade disposable masks, or KN95-approved masks. It also includes wearing the properly approved mask and having it fixed on the nose and face and adjusting it perfectly without gaps.

CDC has recommended the use of masks to protect the community by reducing virus emission and protect the carrier by reducing inhalation. CDC cites several studies that show the masks have been effective. For example, one study showed that the use of masks aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt was associated with a 70% reduced risk of COVID; another showed that, in a contact tracking investigation, those who reported wearing masks had a 70% lower risk of infection than those who did not. Research published by Beaumont Hospital in southeast Michigan also showed that wearing masks was associated with lower levels of COVID infection and, among those infected, lower levels of symptoms.

Bandanas, leggings and face masks without masks do not provide adequate protection for the wearer or other people and are not recommended.

“Delivery of the first COVID-19 vaccines to Michigan means this pandemic will end,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical officer and deputy health officer. “However, it will be a few months before we can have enough vaccine to distribute it widely to all Michiganders. Until then, and even for people who get the vaccine, we should all do our part to stop the spread of this virus by wearing masks properly, avoiding large meetings and washing our hands.

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 442,715 as of Tuesday, including 10,935 deaths, state officials report.

Tuesday’s update includes 4,730 new cases and 183 additional deaths, including 71 from a Vital Records review.

Residents who need masks can pick one up from partner locations across the state, which includes most local MDHHS offices and community action agencies.

Find a distribution site at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan or call COVID-19 at 888-535-6136.