RESOURCES

1. What steps can I take to reduce the spread of COVID-19?

• Social Distancing - It’s safest to stay at home. If you need to go out, please maintain 6 feet of distance between you and people who are not members of your household.
• Mask up - Whenever you go into public or interact with someone outside of your household you should wear a mask.
• Hand Washing - Washing your hands for 20 seconds with plain soap is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses like the flu.

Sources for more information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Advice to the Public - World Health Organization
• Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus - Harvard Medical School

2. Who should wear a mask?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all people ages 2 and older wear a mask when in public or when interacting with someone who does not live in your household. Some medical conditions complicate or limit the use of a mask so please consult a medical provider if you are concerned.

Sources for more information:

• Face Coverings - Center for Disease Control and Prevention

3. Who benefits from wearing a mask?

Everyone. Mask wearing has been shown to greatly decrease the likelihood of transmission of COVID-19 and a reduction in symptoms. Mask wearing better protects you in addition to your family, friends, and neighbors.

Sources for more information:

• The Science Behind Mask Wearing - UCSF
• Considerations for Wearing a Mask - Center for Disease Control and Prevention

4. Which mask should I wear?      

Determining which mask is right for you is dependent on a variety of factors, therefore we recommend visiting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website or a medical provider for more specific information. Often, the best mask is one that is comfortable and that you are going to wear consistently.

Exhalation Valved or vented masks: The CDC does not recommend the usage of these masks because they can allow respiratory droplets to reach others.

Sources for more information:

• When and How to Wear a Mask - World Health Organization
• How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask - Center for Disease Control and Prevention

5. How do I wear my mask?

Mask should be put on using clean hands. They should fit over the nose, mouth, and chin and be secured to the face with minimal gaps. Do not touch the mask until ready to remove it. When removing, touch only the ties or fasteners of the mask and then place in a wash bin or dispose of a single-use mask. Wash hands when finished.

For more information and how-to diagrams:

• How to put on and remove your mask- Seattle Times
• How to make children comfortable wearing a mask- ABC
• When and how to wear a mask- World Health Organization

6. How do I wash my mask?

Washing Machine: You can include your cloth masks in your normal laundry. Wash and dry on the warmest appropriate setting for your fabric.

Hand Washing: Prepare a bleach solution, see CDC Guidelines for instructions. Soak mask in the solution for 5 minutes. Wash thoroughly with cool or room temperature water. Let dry preferably in direct sunlight. Do not wear a mask until it has completely dried.

Disposable Masks cannot be laundered and should be discarded once they show damage or have tears.

Sources for more information:

• Guidelines for Mask Washing- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• How to care for your face masks- Johns Hopkins

7. Should I get tested for COVID-19?

You should get tested for COVID-19 if any of the following has happened to you:

• If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
• If you have recently been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• You have been asked to get tested or referred to testing by a medical provider.

According to the CDC, the following symptoms can appear within 2-14 days after exposure. This list is not exhaustive and you should consult a medical professional if you are concerned about your health.

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Sources for more information:

• Getting tested- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Should I get tested?- New York Times

8. How and where do I get tested?

You can find a testing location in your community through your state and local health departments. Contact your health department for more information on how and where to get tested. You may also be able to be referred for testing by your usual medical provider.

Source for more information:

• Community-Based Testing Sites- Health and Human Services
• The Basics of Testing- Food and Drug Administration
• Types of COVID-19 tests: Which is right for me? - Time

9. What do I do if I tested positive? If someone in my household tests positive?

Follow the advice of your medical provider and isolate yourself from others for at least 14 days. Please see the CDC Guidelines for What to do if you are sick.

What do I do if I test negative?

A negative test means you were unlikely to be infected at the time of your test. You should continue to protect yourself from further infection.

These experiences are not easy. The fear, anxiety, and sense of loss compounded by social isolation can be overwhelming. You must take care of your mental and emotional health as well as your physical health during these times.

Resources for coping with stress, grief, or loss:

• If you’re in crisis call 911.
• Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255
• The Domestic Violence Hotline
• Coping with Stress, Grief, and Loss - CDC

10. Where can I get a mask if I can’t afford one?

See our list of PPE partners who are working to ensure folks have access to protective equipment. If you are unable to get to these organizations learn how to make your own mask.