By Laura Geggel - Associate Editor Adapted by Natasha E Russell

The public doesn't need to wear heavy-duty respirators, but it's a smart idea to don a face mask or wrap a clean scarf around your nose and mouth if you're going into a crowded place during the COVID-19 outbreak, an infectious disease doctor told Live Science.

This advice on face masks (also known as surgical masks) goes against recommendations from the Centers for D...