WEARING a face covering is now national policy as a measure against the spread of coronavirus (Pexels/Anna Shvets).

Uncle Sam is now urging Americans to wear face covering when away from home in an effort to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Friday it wants people to wear masks or any other kind of device that covers and nose and mouth, even homemade versions such as bandannas and T-shirts.

Surgical masks and N95 respirators should be left available to public health workers.

President Donald Trump said he would not be taking part, saying, “It’s a recommendation, they recommend it, I just don’t to wear one myself.”

Friday’s announcement is a departure from earlier advice that masks need not be useful.  More recent information suggests that the virus can be transmitted by sneezes, coughs and even just breathing, and that people who have no symptoms can pass the virus on to others.

Other coronavirus-related news …

Walmart to limit access to its stores

The nation’s largest retail store chain will be taking steps to thin out traffic. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, it will now allow no more than five customers for each 1,000 square feet at a time, which amounts to about one-fifth of the average store’s capacity, according to the Associated Press.

A single-entry door will be established and customers will be asked to line up and be admitted one by one.

Worldwide confirmed coronavirus cases rise

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across the world is up to 1,097,909 by Friday (today), according to the count kept by Johns Hopkins University.

United States continues to lead the list, with 276,995 cases, followed by Italy (119,827), Spain (119,827) and Germany (91,159).

The total death count is 59,681, led by Italy with 14,681. Following are Spain with 11,198 and France with 6,507. The United States has had 5,926 deaths with most of them concentrated in the New York City-New Jersey area. That total is over 3,000.