Cloth masks are not medical grade equipment, but they can provide you with more protection than you might think.

A mask made out of two layers of cotton or polyester provides 70% of protection a surgical mask does for breathing in the virus. More significantly, though, is that it prevents most droplets from escaping if you cough, sneeze, or even breathe; those droplets that do get through are slowed down and don’t travel as far.

Since a person can be infected for several days without knowing they have the virus, even a cloth mask can significantly reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Wearing a mask isn’t just for your protection, it helps protect everyone you come in contact with.