Wear face masks in public gatherings while maitaing 6 feet distance, says Dr Wilkinson of SKN

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rises to twelve, the health ministry of St Kitts and Nevis has recommended its citizens to wear face masks in public places to reduce the risk of the virus.

Dr Cameron Wilkinson Medical Chief of Staff at the JNF General Hospital, stated at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) COVID-19 daily briefing that people can also use cloth-bases masks.

"The CDC recommends that in order to lower the risks of COVID-19 people must wear masks at general public gatherings, and cloth-based masks can also be used to cover their nose and mouths in the community settings," added Dr Wilkinson.

Furthermore, Dr Wilkinson stated that these covering your face is not a replacement for social distancing. Face masks are particularly essential to be worn in public in areas where there are extensive COVID-19 illness threats.

However, Dr Wilkinson also emphasised that cloth-based coverings should not be placed on children younger than two years of age.

He also added that all the individuals must maintain a six-feet distance from each other to break the chain of this contagious, deadly virus. He even recommended people to follow all the hygiene guidelines like washing hands for 22 seconds with soap or alcohol-based hand-sanitizers.