Answers to Common Questions on Wearing Face Coverings

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By Barbara Adranly

Last week, the public health officers of several Bay Area counties, including Alameda and Contra Costa, issued an order requiring the wearing of face coverings in public. As of yesterday, residents must comply with the order. The order is in addition to the Shelter-in-Place order which requires people to stay home as much as possible and maintain physical distancing. Below are answers to common questions on the mask order. Answers to additional questions can be found here.

Why are masks required?

A key way COVID-19 spreads is via respiratory droplets expelled when a person sneezes or coughs. While not a substitute for frequent hand washing and maintaining at least 6-feet of physical distance from others, masks can help reduce the spread of these droplets. Keep in mind, an infected person can transmit the coronavirus even without having any, or only mild, symptoms.

What types of masks are required?

• Basic nonmedical, cloth masks, including scarves and bandannas, without holes are required.
• The mask must cover your nose and mouth but, of course, make sure you can breathe through it.

Are medical grade masks or ones with a one-way valve recommended?

No. As long as medical grade masks such as N95 masks and surgical masks are in short supply, the public health officers ask that we not purchase and use them. Any mask that incorporates a one-way valve (typically a raised plastic cylinder about the size of a quarter on the front or side of the mask) does not comply with the order. Masks with these valves permit the release of droplets. Plastic masks and ski masks with holes for nose or mouth also do not comply with the order.

When must masks be worn?

Face coverings are required to be worn:
• While inside or waiting in line to enter essential businesses, like a grocery store or pharmacy;
• When seeking health care;
• When waiting for or riding on public transit, or in a taxi, ride share vehicle or private town car; and
• When entering facilities allowed to operate under the Shelter in Place Order.

What are the exceptions to the order?

• The order does not apply to when driving alone or with members of your own household.
• Masks are not required when engaged in outdoor recreation such as walking, bicycling, or running, though it is recommended to have a mask with you and practice physical distancing.
• Children age 12 and younger are not required to wear masks or anyone that has trouble breathing or been advised by a medical professional to not wear a mask.

What’s the best way to wear and care for a mask?

First, wash your hands before putting on the mask. The CDC recommends that 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

Cloth masks should be washed after daily use, in hot water with regular detergent, and dried completely on a high heat setting. Always sanitize your hands after handling masks and do not touch your face.

How can I make a mask?

The CDC offers instructions on making masks by sewing and without sewing.

In the video below, Jeremy Howard, a University of San Francisco researcher and the co-founder of Masks 4 All, explains how to create your own, with no sewing required.

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