There has been much recent speculation as to whether or not individuals should wear facial masks when going out in public during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

   The World Health Organization has recommended that only those who are sick or those caring for someone who is sick should wear a mask. However, there are a growing number of officials suggesting that everyone should wear one when going out in public. 

   “We are not going to be wearing masks forever, but it could be for a short period of time after we get back into gear. I could see something like that happening for a period of time,” President Trump said.

   While officials are suggesting for everyone to wear a facial mask, they are asking for the general public to save the medical and N95 facial masks for those working in hospitals, such as doctors and nurses. This is due to a general shortage in those protective facial masks.

   Officials are reviewing which types of masks to use, if they become mandatory. As of right now, they are suggesting that surgical and cloth masks, which can be made from home, could prevent droplets, which may be infected, from spreading through the air.