COVID-19 is also referred to as the novel coronavirus because it's new to humans. Official recommendations and guidelines are continuing to evolve as scientists and medical professionals learn more about this pandemic disease.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to emphasize that maintaining social distancing - at least six feet between you and other people - is the top priority to slow spread of COVID-19. Initially, the CDC was not advising people to wear face masks in public. One reason was to protect surgical masks and N-95 respirators that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.). Masks are to be in addition to social distancing, not as a substitution.