COVID-19: Cloth Face Coverings
Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 by Wearing Face Coverings
Face coverings MUST be worn at all times in public at this time. The City will provide masks to those without one when entering a City facility. Learn more regarding the Safer Independence Guidelines here.
When in a public space (including a workplace, business, school, place of worship, or public facility such as a community center or library) individuals are required to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth.
- Masks should be positioned carefully over the mouth and nose and should not be touched or readjusted until such time as the mask is removed.
- Hand hygiene is encouraged before taking masks off and prior to re-masking.
- Masks are not required inside a solitary, enclosed workspace such as an office.
- Masks may be removed in restaurants and bars when individuals are actively eating or drinking but must be worn at all times otherwise.
- Masks must be worn by all individuals in gyms or workout facilities.
Exceptions include:
- Minors below the age of 5; and
- Persons who have disabilities for which masks constitute a substantial impairment to their health and well-being based upon medical, behavioral, or legal direction; and
- Persons who are in a restaurant or tavern and are actively engaged in consuming food or drink while adequately distanced from other patrons.
- Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering or mask is necessary to perform the service.
- Professional athletes and recreational athletes actively engaged in high-intensity, organized game play.
How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC makes the following recommendations.
Download printer friendly instructions from the CDC
Cloth face coverings should:
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
The Dos and Don’ts of Wearing a Cloth Face Covering
Do
- Wear a cloth face covering when running essential errands.
- Practice social distancing, even with the cloth face covering on in public.
- Take the cloth face covering off by the ear elastic or untying it at the back when you get home and wash it as soon as possible.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds after removing the cloth face covering and on a regular basis.
Don’t
- Touch the cloth face covering without washing your hands.
- Play with the cloth face covering while wearing it.
- Take the cloth face covering off by grabbing the center fabric near your mouth and nose.
- Share cloth face covering with others in your household without washing them first.
CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks nor N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
FAQ
Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?
- Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.
How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?
- A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?
- Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
Sew and No Sew Instructions
Visit the CDC website for instructions on how to sew cloth face coverings.