Riverside County health officials are now recommending residents cover their nose and mouth when leaving their homes for essential travel during the coronavirus outbreak. Riverside County officials aren’t the only ones considering asking individuals to wear masks outside of the home. CDC guidelines could soon change for other areas of the country as well, asking more people to wear fabric masks when they are leaving the house. “The thinking behind that is really to reduce transmission,” said Dr. Sumanta Chaudhuri, Chief Medical Officer at Orange County Global Medical Center. “[The mask] may or may not have some protection does not have COVID-19, but it certainly is a good idea if the wearer has asymptomatic COVID-19.” However, Chaudhuri advised against purchasing N95 or medical grade masks, because healthcare workers desperately need them. Riverside County health officials also reminded residents they should only leave the home for doctor appointments, grocery shopping or pharmacy visits. Frequent hand washing, social distancing and staying home are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.