Masks

• How to make cloth masks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Executive Orders / Health Officer Directives on Masks

What is a mask?

A mask is a covering that fully covers your nose, mouth, and chin, and is secured to your head. Examples are scarves, bandanas, and plastic full-face shields.

You may also wear medical-grade masks. Examples are N95, KN95, surgical, or other masks that would be appropriate for a health care setting. However, we encourage you to reserve medical-grade masks for use by health care workers and first responders.

Discard single-use masks properly in trash receptacles.

Clean reusable masks often, at least once per day.

Who must wear a mask?

Everyone must wear a mask unless they are:

• children under the age of two or unless there is a developmental or physical reason why the child should not.
• someone has a health condition or disability that makes it difficult to wear a mask.

When must a mask be worn?

A mask must be worn whenever a person is in public. This includes:

• on public transportation (such as Ride On, Metro and ride sharing)
• indoors at any location where members of the public are generally permitted, including
  • common areas in apartment and condo buildings - printable posters for building managers
  • gaming facilities
  • grocery stores
  • gyms and fitness centers, including when exercising
  • personal services establishments, like hair salons and barbershops
  • pools, except when in the water
  • religious facilities and services
  • retail stores
  • restaurants and other foodservice establishments
• outdoors, when physical distancing is not possible
• when obtaining healthcare services, including
  • doctors' and dentists' offices
  • hospitals
  • pharmacies
  • laboratories
• when working in any area where
  • interaction with others is likely, including shared areas of commercial offices, or
  • food is prepared or packaged

What about children?

Children over the age of 2 are required to wear a mask unless there is a developmental or physical reason why the child should not.

Children may be more likely to touch their mask, so parents and caretakers should wash children's hands or apply hand sanitizer often.

What if I have a health problem that makes it difficult to wear a mask?

If you have a health issue that makes it difficult to wear a mask, you are not required to wear one but this makes it very important that you practice physical distancing and hand hygiene.

Do I have to wear a mask while exercising?

Masks are required when exercising indoors at a gym or fitness center.  Masks are also required outdoors when exercising, when it is difficult to maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance between you and others.

Must the mask cover my nose?

A mask is fitted properly when it covers your nose, mouth, and chin. Do not use a mask with an exhalation valve because it allows unfiltered air that you exhale to escape.

Do employees need to wear a mask at work in offices and restaurants and shops?

Workers in shops and restaurants are required to wear masks when serving customers and when preparing food.

Child care workers are also required to wear masks.

Workers in an office setting are required to wear masks in any area where interaction with others is likely, including shared areas of commercial offices.