Yesterday, Palm Beach County issued Emergency Order 20-004, which states all residents, employees, and visitors in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain should wear face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The emergency order will go into effect on April 13 at 12:01 a.m.

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines urging people to wear masks in social settings where "social distancing measures are difficult to maintain."

Facial masks can take any form as long as the mouth and nose are covered. Homemade masks have been made using scarfs, bandanas, handkerchiefs and other cloth coverings.

The use of N95 rated masks should be avoided as they are a necessity for healthcare workers.

In addition to wearing face masks, you should also do the following:

• Wash or sanitize your hands before putting a mask on or taking it off
• Make sure the mask covers your entire nose and bottom of your chin
• Do not let anything touch the inside of the mask, including the ear loops
• Washcloth masks as much as possible
• Store the mask in a clean plastic bag
• Don't move the mask under your chin. Instead, wait until you've washed or sanitized your hands, then completely remove the mask and store it in a clean plastic bag (once you're away from other people)