The U.S. coronavirus task force recommendations of preserving facemasks for healthcare workers and emergency personnel remain in effect, according to U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson on Newsmax TV.
"If you're infected, or you're under quarantine, yes, you should definitely wear a mask," Dr. Carson, a neurosurgeon, told Tuesday's "Greg Kelly Reports." "Because, every time you speak, there is vaporization going out of your mouth that carries whatever is in your mouth, including virus for a space of about two feet."
But, under U.S. social distancing recommendations of six feet, even airborne contagion like this coronavirus is not a very serious threat for most Americans not wearing a health safety mask.
Healthcare providers, however, are working at much closer distances with patients and they still need to be given preference on the U.S. supply of masks, Carson told host Greg Kelly.
Dr. Carson also announced HUD has released cash reserves to U.S. public housing departments to help those in need during the national health emergency, especially if you have lost income to COVID-19 infection or are losing your job.
Carson noted, the relief for Americans is not automatic, and you will have to alert your local housing departments to request assistance from the U.S. government funds released nationwide.
Foreclosures, evictions, and forbearance have also been suspended, but Carson advised to save it for your fellow Americans most in need and to only request assistance if absolutely necessary, so keep paying your bills, if you can.
"They clearly need to be proactive," Carson said. "If you don't need the forbearance, don't do it, because that helps your fellow taxpayers and, you know, it helps your entire country."
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Eric Mack ✉
Eric Mack has been a writer and editor at Newsmax since 2016. He is a 1998 Syracuse University journalism graduate and a New York Press Association award-winning writer.
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