Mask Precautions Advised For City

• Dr. Dowling and authorities urge citizens to wear gauze masks to help combat flu. States that flu likely to remain in Birmingham throughout winter, based on research of health authorities in other cities nationwide.• Dr. N.A. Barrett, City Commissioner and retired doctor: “I have never yet seen an epidemic subside all at once and the influenza will not be an exception to this rule.”• City businesses have agreed to have their clerks wear gauze masks. Pastors Union will ask their congregations to wear masks to church services.• Drug stores will make masks available at a reasonable price. Red Cross will assist in effort.• 128 new cases reported and 18 bp’s issued on Thursday• “Very few” children reported sick with flu.• Dr. Dowling’s official statement presented in full. Opens: “We are convinced that the wearing of a simple gauze face mask is the most practical and efficient general method at our command to limit the spread of influenza.” Statement describes the masks, indicating that they are comfortable, provide protection to the wearer and ensure that wearer will not be cause of spread of flu to others. Recommends that masks be changed every several hours, but notes that used/dirty masks are better than no masks. Encourages those sewing for Red Cross make masks and offer them for sale at cost of material.Newspaper article