People should wear something to cover their nose and mouth when they go out in public, but also should continue frequent hand washing and keeping physical distance from others to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, Orange County public health officials are now advising.

The advisory from County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick issued Thursday, April 2, has some caveats:

Leave the N95 and surgical masks for medical workers and first responders – use a homemade cloth mask, scarf or bandana instead

People should wear a face covering “if they feel comfortable doing so”

Wash your hands after touching the mask

Continue to stay home when possible

In a news release, the county said it is following new guidelines from the state Department of Public Health, which advises that face coverings in materials such as cotton, silk or linen, or made from T-shirts, sweatshirts or towels can provide some protection.

Why wear a mask if you don’t feel sick or have symptoms? Covering your nose and mouth “can help reduce infectious particles from those who could be infected, but are asymptomatic,” the county’s advisory said.

But, Quick cautioned, masks are “not a replacement for prevention measures like social distancing and frequent hand washing, which continue to be the best way to protect yourself.”

Early in the coronavirus outbreak, many public health officials said masks weren’t needed by the general public and would likely not do much to prevent infection. As more has been learned about the virus, including that people with no symptoms can still be contagious, some have begun to change their recommendations, prompting clothing manufacturers and sewing hobbyists to begin making masks to wear and donate.