How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering

Apr 13, 2020

In light of new data about how COVID-19 spreads, along with evidence of widespread COVID-19 illness in communities across the country, CDC recommends that people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth in the community setting. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms. Cloth masks are not a substitute for social distancing.

Cloth masks can be made from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost.

Cloth masks 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 masks recommended are not surgical masks or 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.

How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering or Mask

  1. Before touching the mask, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water isn’t available.
  2. Put the mask on, holding it by the elastic bands and making sure it covers your mouth, nose, and chin.
  3. When worn correctly, cloth masks 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
  4. Avoid touching the mask while wearing it. If you need to touch it to adjust it, wash your hands first.
  5. Wash your hands before removing the mask, and then remove it by the straps without touching the front of the mask. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing your mask.
  6. Wash masks after using. You can machine wash and dry it with your dirty laundry. The CDC recommends you wash your mask after each use. The mask must be completely dry before you wear it again.
  7. After removing your mask or handling any dirty mask, wash your hands thoroughly.

 

Face covering do's and don't's

 

https://youtu.be/tPx1yqvJgf4

Source: from CDC.gov

The Arc of Washington County
 Needs Your Help!

We are urgently seeking donations and volunteers for much  needed masks to help protect the people we support and our staff. Thank you to those that have already supported our Mask Project!
With your help, as of this morning we have completed approximately 300 masks! Our goal is 750!
Supplies needed include: 3/8″ or 1/4″ ribbon or elastic, cotton fabric, cotton 16″ x 10.5″ cotton squares, quilting pins, gallon zip lock bags. Homemade masks are welcome!
Donations will be accepted by mail:
The Arc of Washington County, Inc.
Attn: Sue Harr
820 Florida Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740
In person donations are being accepted at:
840 Florida Ave
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Portico Entrance: M-F 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Questions can be directed to:
301.733.3550 x2241
We are grateful for the support of our community partners, families and friends. Thank you for all you are doing to support The Arc of Washington County, Inc. as we continue to support our mission:
“Empowering All To Achieve Meaningful Lives.”