New Article: Improve How Your Mask Protects You - CDC, Feb 2021
New Article: Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure - CDC, Feb 2021
We know that many people have questions and concerns during this uncertain time. So we're developing a list of free resources and information for our community.
New Article: Improve How Your Mask Protects You - CDC, Feb 2021
New Article: Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure - CDC, Feb 2021
COVID-19 is often spread by infected people directly to others (within 6 feet) or indirectly contaminating surfaces. You can get the virus by coming into contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic people do not feel or show symptoms while infected and spread the virus.
For clarity, we are recommending methods aligned with the CDC to mitigate the spread of disease.
Ultimately, we formally recommend you follow national and local safety standards relevant to your business.
No. You should just wear a mask when you're in a shared workspace where you may infect someone else.
Currently the CDC recommends a medical or cloth mask for decreasing the chance of spreading the virus causing COVID-19 (Source Control).
The CDC does NOT recommend a face shield alone to minimize spread of coronavirus. A shield alone without a mask does not prevent droplets emitted with each breath from falling on surfaces, food, people, and objects and potentially spread to other individuals.
There is indication that a shield with a mask may be better for you and others.
Masks or cloth face coverings should cover the nose and mouth and fit comfortably to reduce the need for adjustment.
Yes. If your respiratory droplets have the coronavirus in them then your mask may be a source for infection
A moldable wire such as the wire on the top of the bag of your coffee beans/ grounds can be attached to the top of the mask to create a better seal. In addition, some people will wash their glasses with soap and water and gently pat the glasses dry so some soap remnant remains on the glasses which can decrease fogging. Lastly, some people will use tape on the mask to decrease the moisture coming up on your glasses.
The CDC has guidelines for making a mask at home
A poorly fitting mask may cause one to frequently touch their face or mask and potentially increase the chance of spreading the virus. Please see recommendations for a properly fitting mask.
This concept is debatable. The main purpose of wearing a mask is to decrease the chance that you may infect others. Some cloth masks with a HEPA filter and a proper seal may pass the official N95 testing process and may be beneficial. A mask alone does not protect the eyes and this a potential source for getting the virus causing COVID-19.
Yes. We recommend that a piece of tape or other method to seal this valve is used so your breath does not escape through the valve.
Yes. A mask that has more surface area in front of the mouth will decrease the chance the breath will go around the mask. One method some use is to utilize the wire from a coffee bag to create a bulge in front of the mouth so your breath has more fabric to go through which may decrease the chance the breath may go around the mask.
We recommend you follow CDC guidelines and stay home and isolate yourself from others per current recommendations.
Watch how droplets spray from the simple phrase "Stay Healthy" without a mask.
Ultimately, we formally recommend you follow national and local safety standards relevant to your business.
This step is intended to decrease the likelihood of spreading the virus in your work environment by keeping sick individuals out of the workplace. The list of possible COVID-19 symptoms is extensive and will need to be reassessed periodically. The ‘Mask of Wellness’ downloadable kit contains an example of a COVID-19 self-screening form to help. This daily health self-certification has a list of primary symptoms associated with COVID-19. If an employee presents to work with related symptom(s) or develops symptom(s) while at work they should leave the workplace immediately and notify a manager. Ideally, the list of symptoms should be known by all employees and not present to work if symptoms are present and notify a manager. Leave policies should be flexible and staying home while exhibiting symptoms should come without punishment. Ideally, temperature should be taken before or at the beginning of the work day. If clinical concern is raised by a healthcare professional of COVID-19 then a manager should be notified with recommendation of notifying potential contacts. Ultimately, we formally recommend you follow national and local safety standards relevant to your business.
Yes! Up to 40% of the time people spread the virus without symptoms- Asymptomatic and Pre-Symptomatic. COVID-19 is often spread by infected people in close proximity to others (about six feet). You can get the virus by coming into contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets when they cough, sneeze, breath, or talk.
Yes. The virus can get into your tears which drain into your nose and respiratory tract.
Thank you!! Now influence those who look up to you by signing up and spreading the word instead of ‘spraying’ the word. We appreciate your help with advancing this endeavor that benefits the Health and Wealth of our Community.
Just until CDC provides recommendations that mask wearing is no longer needed (found at cdc.gov) or you choose to stop. When you choose to no longer follow the guidelines, remove any signage and notify us.
Businesses can register as a 'Covid-Conscious' business. Consumers can read steps they can take below.
Businesses can register as a 'Covid-Conscious' business. Consumers can read steps they can take below.
Seek guidance from the CDC, OSHA, or your regulatory agency. Also, send them to us and we may post them here so we may help others.
Seek guidance from your medical provider.
Call 911.
Seek guidance from your medical professional.