Face masks may increase risk of getting coronavirus, federal health official says

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The U.S. Surgeon General not only wants people to stop buying face masks to prevent coronavirus, but he warns they may actually increase chances of contraction.

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Dr. Jerome Adams says people who don't know how to wear masks properly tend to touch their face more than usual, increasing their chances of getting sick.

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He says to stay safe, wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and disinfect surfaces.