With COVID cases rising, wearing masks and social distancing are still good advice.

Dr. Luther Rhodes, an infection specialist with Lehigh Valley Health Network, said that with the widespread nature of the virus, wearing a mask in public places is a good practice. He said he wears one when he goes to the grocery store.

“Are masks perfect? No, not at all,” he said. “When you cough, sneeze or talk, there are particles that are blocked by even a cloth mask.”

Rhodes said he thinks people act differently when they are wearing a mask. They are more cautious of their own behavior, especially if they have a cough or cold.

“Until the prevalence of the virus decreases dramatically, I think we are sort of stuck with the mask. I think it’s safer,” he said. “We are still in the middle of a pandemic. If we’re lucky, we’re in the middle of the pandemic.”