Should you wear a face mask? As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the United States, the answer is evolving. On April 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance recommending that Americans in COVID-19 hotspots cover their faces to slow the spread of the virus.

When the coronavirus outbreak began overseas, the CDC initially did not recommend the use of face masks except for healthcare workers. However, as the situation worsened, with 245,000 people infected in the U.S., more and more people are wondering where to buy face masks or how to make them at home. [In response, Vice President Mike Pence said at an April 2 press conference that revised guidance based on "consultation and advice from CDC and top health experts" is expected "in the next few days." The revised advice will be endorsed, but not mandated, by the White House.

The mayors of Los Angeles and New York City, where the outbreak occurred, have already encouraged their constituents to consider wearing face masks when leaving their homes. Gov. Andrew Cuomo also told CNN's Anderson Cooper that "it can't hurt from a public health standpoint."

Because of the widespread shortage of PPE, the advice to the public applies to non-medical face masks as well. Surgical grade masks, or N95 masks, are to be used only by medical personnel and first responders who are on the front lines of the fight against coronaviruses.

Those who purchased N95 masks earlier this year, when they were still available, should consider donating them to hospitals and medical centers in the country that have been hardest hit. Although not the most protective against coronaviruses, cloth masks are recommended for those who have not been in direct contact with the disease

and for those who have not been exposed to the disease, cloth masks are recommended for those who have been exposed to the disease

.

While mask use is common in other parts of the world, it is not yet widespread in the United States. This may be due in part to mixed messages about the effectiveness of masks, but a change in communication seems to have recently occurred.

Studies have shown that mask wearing, combined with frequent hand washing and rigorous social dancing, can limit the spread of airborne viral particles. In addition, vacuum cleaner bags (or HEPA bags), dishcloths, and cotton cloths are at least 70% effective against viral particles smaller than coronaviruses, according to researchers at Cambridge University.

These odds indicate that wearing a face mask is better than nothing, but it is not the only measure to take at this time of year. Do not assume that wearing a face mask will loosen up the physical distancing process.

In a study of 1,437 college students in Michigan, face masks and hand sanitizers alone did not change the rate at which they contracted influenza-like or coronavirus-like illnesses.

And a more optimistic study of 143 households in Sydney estimated that Australians who followed instructions and wore surgical masks daily reduced their risk of respiratory illness by 60% to 80%. Nevertheless, there are several studies without conclusive evidence that wearing a face mask has a definitive effect.

If you use a facemask, make sure you know how to clean it to protect yourself from coronavirus.

Brush up on coronavirus tips to stay safe before you leave home for necessary errands. Also, find out where coronavirus drive-through testing is available in your area in case you start showing symptoms of illness.