Mask Up to Fight COVID-19

May 27, 2020

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By Taylor Schwartz, Outreach Coordinator, Community Health Center in Cowley County

Together, Cowley County has worked hard to flatten the curve. To keep protecting each other as Kansas reopens, local healthcare providers recommend that community members wear a mask in public.

Initiated by the Community Health Center in Cowley County, the ‘mask up’ campaign is endorsed by the City-Cowley County Health Department, South Central Kansas Medical Center, and William Newton Hospital. To help the people of Cowley County stay healthy, these partners have developed this how-to guide for wearing masks.

Who?

EVERYONE*

• We can all protect each other
• Your mask protects me and my mask protects you

*Two year olds and younger as well as those with respiratory conditions should not wear a mask

What?

MASKS

• Cloth masks that cover your mouth and nose
• Best mask material is tightly woven/high thread count material

DISTANCING

• 6ft away from others whenever possible (two arms lengths approximately)
• Coronavirus can be transmitted by speech, cough, or sneeze

When?

YES

• Mask up anytime you're in close contact with others in public

NO

• Outside on walks or activities
• In your home or vehicle Where? Grocery stores Doctor’s offices and hospitals Mask up anywhere social distancing is difficult to maintain

Why?

• There's no way to know if you are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic
• Your mask protects others if you are infected; Theirs protects you from potential infection
• You never know who is at risk or who has been exposed

How?

MASK ON

• First, wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your mouth and nose with the mask, and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask

MASK OFF

• Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp. It is not recommended to reuse disposable masks. Wash cloth masks daily. Do not share masks
• Remove it from behind (don't touch the front of the mask). Discard immediately in a closed bin. Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer