The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending that all Americans wear a non-medical mask or face covering when out in public.

The CDC says as it continues to study the spread and effects of the coronavirus, it now knows that a significant number of people who contract it don't have symptoms. Even people who eventually develop symptoms can transmit the virus to others before they even show signs of having it.

The CDC says that means the virus can spread between people who are interacting in close proximity, like when you talk to someone or if they cough and sneeze near you.

The new recommendations were handed down from the CDC Friday asking people to wear cloth face coverings when out in public, though the recommendation is voluntary.

News 12 visited a number of public places Saturday, including a Bay Shore supermarket where almost 90% of people seen inside were wearing face coverings.

"Get used to it, get used to it quickly, it's not really a big deal, to put a scarf around your face or a piece of fabric or something like that, a bandanna," says one Locust Valley resident.

The CDC says its recommendation does not mean people can stop social distancing -- it says people must still remain 6 feet away from each other and stay home if able.

The CDC says the reason they are recommending people wear a cloth face covering and not a surgical mask or N95 masks is because those must be reserved for people who need them, like healthcare professionals.

Wantagh resident and quilter Mary Ellen Orchard says she started sewing masks after worrying about her best friend, who is a nurse.

"I can't just sit here, I have the fabric, I have the ability to do it, I know what I can do and I know how I can marshall people," says Orchard.

Orchard says if you want to make your own mask, make sure you use a breathable fabric like cotton and elastic ties that will stay securely in place.