Missoula County Government: Health Officials Discuss Updated Mask Guidance, Strongly Urge More Community Members To Mask In Public

Missoula MT

06 January, 2022

6:00 PM

Description

Press release from the Missoula County Government: 01/06/2022 10:30 AM Media Releases Contact Us Boards, Committees, Councils and Special Districts Current Vacancies Online Application Governing Boards Aging Services Governing Board Airport Authority Board Florence-Carlton Cemetery Board Health Boards Historical Museum Board Library Board Lolo Mosquito Abatement District Board Missoula Urban Transportation District Board Seeley Lake Cemetery District Board Tax Appeal Board Zoning Board of Adjustment Contact Us Help Customer Service Request Page Layout & Usage Site Navigation Site Map Departments, Divisions and Programs Animals & Pets Arts & Culture Birth, Death & Other Records Business Resolutions & Ordinances Community Communications Community Development About Missoula County Mission, Vision & Values Calendar Customer Service Request Elected Officials What is County Government? Frequently Asked Questions Apply for a building permit a burn permit (purchase or activate) County employment a food or lodging license a marriage license a septic permit or well permit a volunteer position on a County board, commission, or committee Contact a crime victim advocate a community council a Missoula County department the Commissioners' Office Donate to the Friends of the Shelter the Friends of the Library the Friends of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula Email Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Reddit Health officials say if individuals cannot purchase or find N95 or KN95 style masks, they should wear a triple layer cloth mask, or surgical mask along with a cloth mask. Masks should also have a snug fit on the individual's face to prevent leakage of droplets.   "While healthcare providers were struggling to get N95 masks at the start of the pandemic, that hasn't been the case for a long while. We want folks to make sure they are using high-quality masks or wearing multiple layers of masks if they cannot get N95s or KN95s," Health Officer D'Shane Barnett said.   The CDC says Missoula County is currently experiencing high transmission and masking is strongly recommended for people in public settings, but Health Officer D'Shane Barnett says not enough community members are choosing to wear masks.  "When you go around town, you can see that the percentage of people choosing to wear masks is just too low to stop a surge from happening," Barnett said. "We can't mandate masks. We need more people to choose do to the right thing."  Businesses and other public settings can make a big difference in Missoula's fight against COVID-19 by reminding patrons that wearing a mask is the best choice for the safety of themselves and others. Free posters encouraging mask use can be downloaded here or on missoulainfo.com under the resources tab. This press release was produced by the Missoula County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.