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For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reversed its recommendation on wearing face masks -- 

including cloth face coverings sewn at home -- to say that individuals should wear coverings

 in public in addition to taking measures like social distancing.

Homemade face masks and face coverings, from hand-sewn cloth to bandanas and rubber bands, 

are now urged for public use. But they may not be effective at preventing coronavirus.

As cases in the US surge and new data on the transmission of the COVID-19 disease comes to light, 

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines this week on wearing face coverings in public, including cloth face coverings crafted at home.

We'll tell you exactly what that means, as well as the differences between them and N95 respirator masks 

that are the ideal for hospital use and a note on sterilization. 

If you're seeking more information about making your own face mask at home, we have resources for you, too.

What the CDC says about homemade face masks today

The most important takeaway from the CDC's message is that covering your face when you leave the house is a "voluntary public health measure" and must not replace proven precautions like self-quarantine at home, social distancing and thoroughly washing your hands.

In the CDC's words, it "recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission." (The emphasis is the CDC's.)

The institute says not to seek out medical or surgical-grade masks for yourself and to leave N95 respirator masks to health care workers, opting instead for basic cloth or fabric coverings that can be washed and reused. Previously, the agency considered homemade face masks a last resort in hospitals and medical facilities. 

If you do have a supply of N95 masks on hand, consider donating them to a health care facility or hospital near you. 

Here's how to donate hand sanitizer and protective equipment to hospitals in need -- 

and why you should also refrain from making your own hand sanitizer.

In a medical setting, handmade masks aren't scientifically proven to be as effective at protecting you from the coronavirus. 

Why not? The answer comes down to the way N95 masks are made, certified and worn. 

It may not matter if care centers are forced to take a "better than nothing" approach.

N95 masks vs. other masks: Facial fit and certification

Coronaviruses can linger in the air for up to 30 minutes and be transmitted from person to person through vapor (breath),

 talking, coughing, sneezing, saliva and transfer over commonly touched objects.

In US health care settings, N95 masks must also go through a mandatory fit test using a protocol set by OSHA, 

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, before use. This video from manufacturer 3M shows some 

of the key differences between standard surgical masks and N95 masks. Homemade masks are unregulated, 

though some hospital websites point to preferred patterns that they suggest using.

Handmade face masks: Cotton and elastic

The DIY homemade face mask movement that's providing patterns and instructions for sewing face masks at home 

tell you to use materials like multiple layers of cotton, elastic bands and ordinary thread.

By and large, the patterns contain simple folds with elastic straps to fit over your ears. Some are more contoured to resemble the shape of N95 masks. Still others contain pockets where you can add "filter media" that you can buy elsewhere.

It's the belief of people who make their own masks that adding filters will help protect against transmission, 

particularly when it comes to larger particles from coughs and sneezes.

Be aware that there isn't strong scientific evidence that the masks will conform to the face tightly enough to form a strong seal, 

or that the filter material inside will work effectively. Standard surgical masks, for example, are known to leave gaps. 

That's why the CDC emphasizes other precautions, like washing your hands and distancing yourself from others.

On March 24, acknowledging a shortage of N95 masks, one page on the CDC website suggested five alternatives 

if a health care provider, or HCP, doesn't have access to an N95 mask.

Here's what one CDC site had to say about homemade masks then:

In settings where face masks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort [our emphasis]. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.

Now, the CDC advocates for all civilians to wear a face covering when they leave the house.

The danger: Not knowing the limits

It's worth emphasizing again that sewing your own face mask may not prevent you from 

acquiring coronavirus in a high-risk situation, like lingering in crowded places or continuing to 

meet up with friends or family who don't already live with you.

Since the coronavirus can be transmitted from someone who appears to be symptom-free but 

actually harbors the virus, it's crucial to the health and wellness of people over 65 and those 

with underlying conditions to know which proven measures will help keep everyone safe -- 

quarantine, social distancing and hand-washing being the most crucial, according to experts.