The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that Americans cover their faces when leaving home, especially around other people.

The latest guidance suggests that Americans use makeshift coverings, such as T-shirts, scarves or bandanas to cover their noses and mouths. Medical-grade masks, especially N95 masks, are to be reserved for those on the front lines of trying to contain the pandemic.

The CDC says that the masks should not replace social distancing practices. But the agency says that coverings should be used when going to a place where social distancing may be difficult, such as the grocery store or pharmacy.

Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty is already recommending his residents cover their noses and mouths when out and about.

“It’s merely a recommendation, but I think it makes sense,” the mayor says. “This does not replace staying at home and keeping your physical distance from people.”

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Dougherty says that he based his recommendation after hearing about similar ones from the mayors of New York City and Los Angeles.

The recommendation comes as new evidence suggests that some coronavirus carriers may be asymptomatic and are spreading the virus unknowingly.

A group of neighborhood mask-makers is handing out their masks for free in Morristown. The makers say that they wanted to keep busy during the pandemic and help the community. Any Morristown resident who needs a mask may email them.

But while the masks may offer some protection, some in the medical field say that it is important not to fall to a false sense of security.

“And the end of the day, they don’t protect you from others. They protect your droplets from reaching other individuals," says Dr. Amna Husain.

President Donald Trump says that the CDC recommendation is “voluntary” and says that he won’t be wearing a mask himself.