The CDC is recommending people wear face masks when going out in public, but clarify surgical and N95 masks should be reserved for first responders and medical personnel.
The CDC says DIY masks can be made from household items like bandannas and scarves, but officials with the South Central Public Health District say there's something important you should know.
"It is important that people wear masks the right way so they don't potentially expose themselves to greater risk, and also with the understanding that they're wearing masks to protect the people around them, it isn't necessarily a protection for them," said Brianna Bodily, the district's Public Information Officer.
While the masks aren't necessarily effective to protect you, officials say it's still smart to wear them because they protect the people around you.
The idea is for the mask to stop the wearer from spreading the disease to other people via droplets and other particles that travel from the nose and mouth.
