WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Guidance from public health officials on how to avoid exposure to the novel coronavirus has evolved over the course of the crisis in the U.S.At first, the advice centered on hand-washing -- but more recently, officials have urged Americans to wear masks or face coverings in public.
Consequently, increasing numbers of Americans have adopted the use of face masks to try to combat the spread of COVID-19. Yet, two recent Gallup/Knight Foundation surveys show the new advice appears to have introduced some confusion about the reasoning behind the recommendation to wear face coverings in public.In late February, at the early stage of the U.S.