▼

COVID-19 Mask Ordinance

Show All Answers

1. What is a cloth face covering?

A cloth face covering is material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped around the lower face. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton or linen. A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand.

2. How well do cloth face coverings work to prevent spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?

Evidence suggests that use of cloth face coverings by the public during a pandemic could help reduce disease transmission. The primary role of a face covering is to reduce the release of infectious particles into the air when someone speaks, coughs, or sneezes.

Literature:  https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/109-dchd/home/covid-19/752-face-coverings-masks

3. How should I care for a cloth face covering?

Wash your cloth face covering frequently, ideally after each use, or at least daily. Keep cloth face coverings in a separate paper bag or bin until they can be laundered with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle. If you must re-wear your cloth face covering before washing, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face.

Discard cloth face coverings that:

• No longer cover the nose and mouth
• Have stretched out or damaged ties or straps
• Cannot stay on the face
• Have holes or tears in the fabric

4. Are there precautions I should take with my face covering?

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer each time you put on and remove the covering. Hands should also be washed after removing the face covering. People should avoid touching their faces and the face coverings while wearing them.

Do not put a used face covering in places where others can touch them or where germs trapped in your face covering can touch other surfaces, such as counter tops or your kitchen table.

Do not throw your face covering loose into a bag or backpack. Store your face covering in a paper bag if you will be taking if off when outside the house.

5. How long can I use a paper face covering?

If you use a paper face covering that is not for health care workers, it is recommended that you use a new one every day. Used paper face coverings should be thrown out at the end of the day.

6. What standard is used to determine application of exemptions?

If an individual is asked to wear a face covering in a business and expresses that they fall within the exemptions, they are taken at their word and allowed to patronize the business.

7. I'm not able to wear a face covering for medical condition, mental health reason, or disability. Do I need documentation about why I can't wear a face covering?

No.

8. How long do I need to wear a face covering?

You are required to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the time you’re in an indoor setting open to the public with people you don’t live with. We strongly recommend wearing a face covering when you’re in an outdoor setting where you’re unable to maintain six feet of distance from people you don’t live with. Remember, with any gathering, physical distancing is required.

9. Does the face covering requirement apply to worship services?

It applies if they are open to the public. When people/household groups can maintain 6 feet of separation, face coverings are not required.

10. Does the mask requirement apply to businesses that see customers by appointment only?

If the staff of the business and the customer can maintain 6 feet of distancing at all times, they would not need face coverings.

11. Does the mask ordinance change any operation requirements for hotels/hospitality centers hosting events, i.e. weddings?

If people are having a wedding inside, they need to wear facial coverings if they can’t maintain 6-foot social distancing. If they stay in family units and stay 6 feet apart, no covering would be required.

12. Does the mask requirement apply to businesses that see customers by appointment only?

If the staff of the business and the customer can maintain 6 feet of distancing at all times, they would not need face coverings.

13. Does the mask ordinance change any operation requirements for hotels/hospitality centers hosting events, i.e. weddings?

If people are having a wedding inside, they need to wear facial coverings if they can’t maintain 6-foot social distancing. If they stay in family units and stay 6 feet apart, no covering would be required.

14. Am I required to wear a face covering when I am using public transportation, a taxi or a school bus?

Yes, you are required to wear a face covering when riding on public transportation. Taxi cabs and ride sharing operators can require you to wear a face covering.

15. Do I need to wear a face covering when I'm just going over to someone's house?

No. The mask ordinance exempts dwelling units (homes). We strongly recommend wearing one if you’re gathering outside and are unable to maintain six feet of distance from people you don’t live with. Remember, with any gathering, physical distancing is required.

16. Do I need to wear a face covering while walking my dog, out for a jog, etc.?

No, you do not need to wear a face covering outside. However, it’s a good idea to keep one with you in case you need it, like if your dog’s leash gets tangled up with another dog, you run into a chatty neighbor, or you decide to stop into a business.

17. Do individuals that have already tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) still have to wear a face covering?

Yes.

18. Can I wear a face covering that has a valve?

The mask ordinance says that masks with a valve (as well as mesh masks or masks with openings, holes, visible gaps in the design or material, or vents) are NOT sufficient face coverings because they allow exhaled droplets to be released into the air.

19. My goggles or glasses fog up when I wear a face covering. What can I do?

Here are some tips https://www.today.com/style/how-wear-face-mask-not-fog-glasses-t179465

20. Is a space that has some open walls considered an outdoor space?

No, a space must be completely open on all sides to be outdoors. Opening windows does not create an outdoor space.

21. Are face coverings required inside gyms and yoga studios?

Yes, when you are going into and out of the gym. However, you may remove your face covering when you are engaged in exercise.

22. Do I need to wear a face covering while swimming or in a pool?

No. A face covering should be used as you are coming to and going from the pool.

23. I live in an apartment or condo with multiple units. Am I required to wear a face covering in the common areas (hallways, lobby, etc.)?

The mask ordinance requires face coverings be worn in premises open to the public, which would include common areas of an apartment building. If six feet of separation can be maintained, then a mask is not required.

24. If I am in an enclosed office alone with a door, do I need to wear a face covering? What about if I work in a cubicle?

Individuals who are alone in an office, room, vehicle, or other enclosed work area do not have to wear a mask. In a cubicle, a mask is not required so long as six feet of separation can be maintained at all time. It is recommended that people have a mask easily available to put on when they leave their office or cubicle or if someone comes to talk with them.

25. How do I wear a face covering while I'm eating or at a restaurant?

You can remove your face covering while eating and drinking. You should wear it when waiting for your food or in transit inside a restaurant.

26. Do I need to wear a face covering when I am picking up food outside using curbside service?

A face covering is not required but recommended.

27. Are workers that sleep at their place of employment (for example: EMS, firefighters, paramedics) required to wear face coverings while sleeping?

No. Physical distancing must be maintained.

28. What do I do if I see someone not wearing a face covering, even though they should be?

Nothing. Some people have conditions or circumstances that would make wearing a cloth face covering difficult or dangerous. Just wear your face covering and stay six feet away.