AHA, AMA and ANA Statement on CDC’s Recommendations for the Public on Cloth Masks

Statement on CDC’s Recommendations for the Public on Cloth Masks

April 3, 2020

Given increasing evidence that infected individuals without symptoms can spread COVID-19, the CDC has put out important guidance to the public in the battle to reduce the spread of the disease. As organizations representing health care professionals and caregivers, we call on the public to be mindful of the need to ensure N95 respirators and medical grade surgical masks remain prioritized for health care heroes – doctors, nurses and other front line caregivers and workers—and use non-medical reusable masks, instead, as the CDC suggests.

As this pandemic spreads, our organizations will continue to urge that all levers be used by both the government and private sector to ensure front line caregivers have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to protect themselves and their patients.

American Hospital Association
American Medical Association
American Nurses Association