Michigan Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said residents should “strongly consider” wearing homemade masks while out in public to protect themselves from the coronavirus, but also asked residents to donate medical gear to overwhelmed hospitals.

Khaldun stopped short of recommending widespread use of masks, noting that health care workers have the highest need for N95 respirators and surgical masks as COVID-19 cases rapidly increase. Khaldun advised people to don face protection if they have access to it during a Thursday press conference.

“If there is an N95 mask or surgical mask, we want it to go directly to our hospital partners,” Khaldun said. “That said, we know that some people may have a mask at home or they may be able to make a mask out of cloth or a bandana, and if they want to do they can. They should strongly consider it and it certainly won’t cause any harm.”

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Face masks and other personal protection equipment are scarce as hospitals deal with a growing number of COVID-19 patients. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams advised against the general public wearing masks but asked the CDC to investigate whether it should recommend a change in guidance.

Facemasks owned by people who aren’t sick and aren’t caring for someone who is sick should instead be donated to health care workers due to the short supply, according to the CDC.

In Michigan, hospitals had 1.4 million surgical masks and 409,750 of the more protective N95 masks available as of April 1. The state asked the federal government to provide 21.8 million N95 respirators and 1.1 million surgical masks on March 25, some of which have been provided since.

Masks are expected to offer more protection because they help block airborne particles that carry the coronavirus. However, masks don’t guarantee anyone is protected and Khaldun reminded residents to continue social distancing and frequent hand washing techniques.

The number of worldwide confirmed COVID-19 cases is nearing 1 million, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. That includes 217,263 in the United States and 9,334 in Michigan, as of Wednesday.

The CDC does not recommend people wear a facemask unless they are caring for someone who is sick. People who are sick are advised to wear a facemask when they are around others and before entering a hospital.

There’s been further conversation from federal officials about whether people should start taking extra measures to prevent community spread of the coronavirus. Health officials have not offered official guidelines or regulations on mask-making, but Khaldun said people can make their own facial protection at home.

Michigan has not released any specific recommendations for whether people who aren’t caregivers should wear masks in public.

Khaldun said most people shouldn’t be in public regardless.

The governor issued an executive order prohibiting people from leaving their homes unless to work, collect supplies, check on loved ones or perform other necessary tasks. The order remains in place until April 14.

Khaldun said people should take the governor’s order seriously. No one is immune to the coronavirus, she said.

“That’s just absolutely unacceptable,” Khaldun said of people who violate the stay home order. “This is so incredibly important that people stay home. You can be 25 years old, healthy, no medical problems, you can easily get the coronavirus and you could potentially die."

Public health officials believe the number of cases confirmed so far represents a fraction of the total number of people who are infected. More cases are found as testing becomes more available.

Read all of MLive’s coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

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