COVID-19: Cloth Face Coverings
Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 by Wearing Face Coverings
As of July 1, face coverings MUST be worn at all times in public when an individual cannot ensure they will be able to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. The City will provide masks to those without one when entering a City facility. Learn more regarding this order from Jackson County here, indep.us/countyphase2.5.
According to the Recovery Plan Phase 2.5, all persons older than 2 years old should wear a mask. Please see details outlined in the County order below.
When in a public indoor 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 o
- 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
When in a public outdoor space or when using public transportation, taxis or ride-sharing services individuals are required to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth.
- Including all outdoor public gathering places such as bus stops, parks, playgrounds, farmers markets, and restaurant/bar patio seating.
- Masks are not required when individuals are driving alone or with others they live with, when individuals are exercising alone or with others they live with, or when individuals can absolutely guarantee that they will be able to maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing from all others.
- Individuals who are engaged in high intensity activities, like running, may not be able to wear a cloth face covering if it causes difficulty breathing. If unable to wear a cloth face covering, consider conducting the activity in a location with greater ventilation and air exchange (for instance, outdoors versus indoors) and where it is possible to maintain physical distance from others.
Read the full guidance from Jackson County
Show Us Your Selfie
Share your selfie with us! Post your photo to social media with the hashtag #IndependenceHasItCovered to help encourage the community to wear face coverings while doing essential activities.
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.