CDC vs. NJ DOH Quarantine Guidelines....hmmmm???

 Hey Cozy Families,

Those who are close contacts to a person who is considered infectious with  COVID-19 must quarantine for a certain amount of time in order to prevent spreading infection to others (see previous posts for definition of "close contact" and "infectious period").  There has been some confusion surrounding the CDC and the NJ DOH quarantine guidelines.  Therefore,  I posted the following below;  

1. Chart from NJDOH should provide quick guidance (at this time Jefferson Twp is HIGH RISK/ORANGE zone) 
2. Excerpt from communication from our Township Health Officer
3. Link to Quarantine Timeframe Guidance Pamphlet 

Recommended Minimum Quarantine Timeframes by 

COVID-19 Regional Transmission Risk Level (CALI Score)1 

Low Risk	Moderate Risk	High Risk	Very High Risk
14 days is always preferred as the best way to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
10 days without organized  testing OR  7 days with negative  test results collected at  5-7 days	10 days without testing OR  7 days with negative  test results collected at  5-7 days	14 days for group   settings and organized  activities  14 days for individuals  unless it causes   significant economic or  other hardship  ONLY IF 14 days is not  feasible, follow  10 days without testing OR  7 days with negative  test results collected at  5-7 days	14 days for group   settings and activities  14 days for individuals  unless it causes   significant economic or  other hardship  ONLY IF 14 days is not  feasible, follow   10 days without testing OR  7 days with negative  test results collected at  5-7 days

"While the CDC has recently advised that under certain circumstances, a shorter quarantine  period may be contemplated, the incubation period for COVID-19 remains two to 14 days. Many cases of COVID do not manifest, either in the presentation of clinical symptoms or in a positive test result, for many days after an exposure. While someone may test negative for COVID-19 several days after a potential exposure, they could very well test positive a day, or several days, later.  Therefore, since we have significant community spread of disease in Jefferson Township at this time, the 14 day quarantine should be actively used and enforced in our schools."

                                                  -Peter Tabbot, Health Officer

                                                 Jefferson/Rockaway Township Division of Health

Link for QUARANTINE TIMEFRAME GUIDANCE pamphlet

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at jluisi@jefftwp.org or (973) 697-4777 ext. 5535. 

Where Should I Go To Get Tested for COVID-19?

Hello Again, Cozy Families!

For many of you, it is difficult to navigate the NJ Department of Health Webpage.  Trust me, it's not your fault!  The site has changed numerous times in past few weeks.  

The following information should help you find testing sites near you. 

• Visit the NJ Department of Health  COVID-19 Information Hub (link below)
• Scroll down to section entitled, "Services and Instructions"
• Click box labeled, "COVID 19 Testing Information"
• Scroll down and click box labeled, "Get Tested for COVID 19"
• Enter your zip code in box and click SUBMIT

You will be provided with a list of testing sites close to your home along with their addresses, websites and contact information.  You will also find a link with information related to At-Home COVID Kits that are now available.  

NJ Department of Health COVID Information Hub

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me at jluisi@jefftwp.org or (973) 697-4777 ext. 5535 

How Long Should I Quarantine or Isolate?

Hey Cozy Families,

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break! I am excited that we are still open for in-person learning here at Cozy and am hopeful that we will remain so!

The following link provides a good non complex overview of when to isolate or quarantine.  I hope you find it useful.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me at jluisi@jefftwp.org or 9973) 697-4777 ext. 5535.  

How Long Should I Quarantine or Isolate?

Am I a close contact?

 

Hello Cozy Lake, 

With the increase in cases in our community, many of you are wondering how to know if you or a family member is considered a "close contact". 

A "close contact" is:

• anyone within 6 feet of a person infected with COVID-19 
• for 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period 
• while that person was infectious.  

***Infectious period is considered 2 days before onset of symptoms (or if asymptomatic, test date) to 10 days after.

CONTACT OF A CONTACT

Good morning, Cozy Families, 

With the increase in COVID cases in NJ, many of you have questions related to being a "contact of a contact" and what that means....

The following is a chart I created based on the NJ DOH guidelines to help clarify.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at (973) 697-4777 ext. 5535 or email me at jluisi@jefftwp.org.

PERSON A	PERSON B	PERSON C (i.e. spouse, children, coworkers, classmates…)
LABORATORY-CONFIRMED CASE COVID-19	HAD CLOSE CONTACT WITH PERSON A*	HAD CLOSE CONTACT WITH PERSON B**
ISOLATE FOR 10 DAYS	QUARANTINE FOR 14 DAYS FROM LAST DATE OF CONTACT WITH PERSON A	NOT AT RISK OF INFECTION. NO NEED TO QUARANTINE (UNLESS PERSON B HAS OR DEVELOPS SYMPTOMS OF COVID OR TESTS POSITIVE)

*Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of person for 15 or more minutes in a 24-hour period

**Person C is considered a “close contact of a close contact”

 

COVID RISK UPDATE & HELPFUL RESOURCES

Hello Cozy Lake Families, 

As many of you are aware, the majority of NJ is now considered "high risk" for COVID transmission.  While we are not surprised by this, it is certainly not good news.  In addition, many of us have college kids coming home for the Holidays and/or have plans to spend the Holidays with family. 

  

Please try to keep this virus in perspective.  What I mean by that is to reject fear, stay positive, and remember what you can control and what you can not.  We've been doing our best to physically distance, wear our masks, and practice good hand hygiene and its important to continue to do so. 

But, balance is the key to staying healthy and happy.  Be conscious of those elderly family members who have medical concerns, but at the same time, try to relax and enjoy quality time with your kids, family and your small circle of friends this Thanksgiving!  

The following are links that you may find helpful in the upcoming weeks,  They address a number of questions many of you have had.  

Please always feel free to reach out to me if you have concerns.  I am here for the kids and staff, but I am here for you as well!  

Be safe and have a great weekend, everyone! 

HOW LONG SHOULD I ISOLATE OR QUARANTINE

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I TEST POSITIVE

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I TEST NEGATIVE

Awesome MUST SEE video! PLEASE WATCH and SHARE!

Hey Cozy Families, 

IT'S SNOWING!  Crazy weather, but par usual considering it's 2020!  I found this awesome video.  Fun to watch and really opens yours eyes to just how important effective and efficient handwashing is.  Lots of information on this 10 minute video.  Worth every minute.  Please watch with your family!  

Have a safe and Happy Halloween, Cozy Lake! 

Click link below for video!

How to See Germs Spread Experiment (Coronavirus) 

"My child was sent home from school sick....When Can My Child Return???"

 Hey Families....

At this time, according to the Department of Health, the Morris County community COVID risk level is "moderate".    The community risk level is evaluated weekly and posted on the DOH website.  

The community risk level is important because it directly effects how your child's symptoms are managed in the school setting.  

Should your child exhibit certain symptoms of illness during the school day (see "COVID screening checklist" on my blog for list of symptoms), I will contact you right away and request you pick up your child as soon as possible.  When you arrive, I will provide you with the following letter.  This letter outlines what needs to take place in order for your child to return to school (according to the DOH guidelines). 

Click the link below to review the letter....

Parent Letter-When Your Child Can Return to School

As always, I am here for you!  If you have any questions or concerns, call me at (973) 697-4777 ext. 5535 or email me at jluisi@jefftwp.org.  

"COVID" Screening Checklist (COVID SYMPTOM CHECKLIST)

 Hey Cozy Families, 

It has been beyond amazing to have your children back in school these last few weeks!  I am so very impressed with their ability to adjust to the new policies and procedures.  School "entry" has been especially fun.  The kids are greeted with such excitement and enthusiasm it feels like they are walking the "red carpet"!   They have all adjusted well to wearing their masks and practicing physical distancing, as well.  I am hopeful that their being here is working out well for all you guys at home.  I can only imagine how difficult this has been and continues to be for all of you and look forward to having a regular schedule in the near future.   

In the meantime, I wanted to post the "COVID" screening check list for you all.  This is the checklist I sent home on the first day of school.  It is a bit different from the "Daily Health Screening" that we posted on the website.  The "Daily Health Screening" is a wonderful, quick tool to ensure your child is healthy enough to come to school.  In contrast, the "COVID" screening checklist (developed by the Department of Health) helps determine if your child's symptoms could possibly be related to a COVID infection....

Click the link below to view the checklist....

COVID SCREENING CHECKLIST

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me!  I am here to help! Call me at (973) 697-4777 ext 5535 or email me at jluisi@jefftwp.org

When To Begin & End Quarantine

 

When Your Child Will Be Sent Home & When Your Child Can Return to School

 

***Important Procedures for Return to School***

 Student Health Questionnaire

• For the health and safety of our school community, please review the "Student Daily Health Questionnaire" each morning prior to sending your child to school. Questionnaire is posted on this blog.

Student Entry Into School

• Student will be welcomed with excitement into the school by the school nurse and/or another staff member.  They will have their temperature taken, asked how they are feeling, and monitored to ensure proper facial covering is in place. 
• Student will then be directed down the hall to their classrooms.
• Parents and visitors may enter the school by appointment only.  Visitors are required to wear facial covering, maintain 6 ft physical distancing and complete a health questionnaire prior to entry. 

Facial Coverings

• All students and staff must wear facial coverings.
• Facial covering may be removed for eating and during recess.
• When facial coverings are removed they will be placed in an appropriate manner to ensure no contamination.
• Students may remove facial coverings every 30 minutes to drink.  This is helpful as they are all adjusting to their masks.
• Please consider sending in a reusable water bottle.  Cozy has new refillable stations for all to use as needed.
• Students are required to supply their own facial coverings and a backup as needed. 
• Facial coverings will be available in the nurse office in case of an emergency.
• Neck gaitors are permitted at this time, but vented masks are NOT permitted. 
• Facial coverings must cover nose and mouth and be snug under the chin. 

Physical Distancing

• Physical Distancing (no less than 6 feet apart for greater than 10 minutes) will be monitored and enforced throughout the day.

Handwashing and Use of Hand Sanitizer

• Students will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting a classroom.
• Students will wash their hands with soap and water after recess and use of the bathroom.
• Students will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer after touching their facial covering when putting it on and off. 

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Extra mandated cleaning and disinfecting of the school building surfaces and classrooms will take place each day with a thorough complete cleaning of the entire building each Wednesday.  
• Additional cleaning of classroom surfaces will take place throughout the day as needed.  Including, but not limited to the cleaning of each desk after snack.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (973) 697-4777 ext. 5535.  

STUDENT HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE

Student Daily Health Questionnaire

Please refer to the following questions daily prior to departing for school. 

This form is not to be returned to the school.

Question #1: Does your child have a body temperature of 100.0 degrees or above today? 

Question #2: Is your child experiencing any NEW symptoms of: 

• cough 

• shortness of breath 

• sore throat

• loss of taste or smell

• chills 

• muscle aches 

• headache 

• nausea/vomiting

• diarrhea

• congestion/runny nose

• fatigue 

Question #3: Has your child been in close proximity (6 feet for 10 minutes or more)

of a person with confirmed COVID-19 in the last 14 days? 

Question #4: Has your child been tested for COVID-19 due to exhibiting

COVID-19 symptoms OR had potential exposure to someone

who may have COVID-19 and are awaiting test results?

Question #5: In the past 14 days, has your child traveled outside of the

United States or to any travel restricted state?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, do NOT send your child or children to school. Please contact the school nurse or your doctor for further instructions. Thank you!

EXCITING NEWS!!! Return to In-Person Learning

On October 15th our K-5 kids will be able to return to in-person learning in a hybrid fashion.

We can't wait to have you all back!!! Rest assured, the kids presently in our building are having a blast and adjusting well to wearing their masks & practicing physical distancing.  In addition, our custodians are working diligently to clean and disinfect effectively and efficiently.

That said, we need your help to open successfully and keep everyone safe.  Please assist us by reviewing the "Student Health Questionnaire" (posted here on my blog) each morning prior to sending your child to school.  By doing so, you help us ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. 

In addition, I will be posting a plethora of information for you to refer to in order to ensure a smooth transition back to in-person learning.  Please review and refer to my blog regularly for updates.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me at (973) 697-4777 ext. 5535 or jluisi@jefftwp.org. 

Getting Your Kids Prepped for School

Hey Cozy Families, 

While we are waiting for the word permitting kids to return to in-person learning, here are some things you can all do to prepare your kids for a safe return.  As always, I am here for you.  Reach out to me as needed at (973) 697-4777 ext 5535. 

WELCOME BACK, COZY LAKE!

Welcome Back, Cozy Lake Families!

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Here you will find relevant COVID information, health promotion tips, requests, important health and wellness updates and more!  Although this is a wonderful tool to communicate with you as a community, I still welcome and appreciate any specific information you can provide regarding your child's individual health needs or concerns.  I can be reached by  email at jluisi@jefftwp.org or via phone at (973) 697-4777 ext 5535. 

Rest assured, here at Cozy, we are all working diligently to provide a safe and effective educational experience despite all the challenges 2020 and COVID presents.  

The students in-person at this time here at Cozy are safe, healthy, and doing awesome!!!  Staff and students have all adjusted well to wearing masks and physical distancing.  We are washing our hands consistently and our cleaning teams are sanitizing surfaces regularly!  Despite all of that, we are learning, having a blast, and so very happy to be together again!  

At this time, many of you are learning virtually.  My hope is we will all be together very soon in the hybid format and I am beyond excited for that as I miss you all so very much! 

Once I get the word that we are able to welcome back the rest of our Cozy Lake Family to in-person learning, I will reach out to you with additional important information.  

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns, I am here for you! Have a great weekend!  

***End of Year Medication Pick Up***

Hello Cozy Families,
My hope is that you are all staying safe during these difficult weeks for our country.  2020 has certainly been a rough year so far.   I am still confident that somehow good and healing will ultimately come from all this suffering. 

On a happy note, we have a plan for medication pick up.  The district nurses will be at the High School on Monday, June 8th at 10:30 am for pick up of medications and/or student medical supplies.

In addition, I will be in my Cozy Lake Health office Friday, June 5th from 8:30-11:30 am to pack up medication and close out my health office.  Please feel free to contact me during that time if you have any questions or concerns at (973) 697-4777 ext 5535.  Of course, you can always email me any time at jluisi@jefftwp.org and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

My hope is that you are all able to find quality time with your families to enjoy this beautiful weather! 

Stay well!

Update for Families of Students With Medical Concerns

Good Afternoon Cozy Families,

I am sure you have all heard the news by now from Governor Murphy related to school closures through the end of the year in NJ.  Although this is sad news for all of us, especially those who are members of our graduating class of 2020, this decision affords us time to gather the necessary data and resources to ensure that when we do open, we are able to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all.

That said, we are now tasked with developing a plan for the end of year procedures that normally take place during the month of June, to efficiently meet the needs of our students with medical concerns.  This includes, but is not limited to, the return of Emergency Medications, the sharing of Documents/Forms required for the 20-21 Academic School Year, and ensuring a smooth transition to the next grade level and/or school.

Rest assured, the nurses are working diligently to develop a plan to meet these needs and more.  Once finalized and approved, we will contact you to share out our plans.  If you have a specific question or concern related to your child's medical needs, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email at jluisi@jefftwp.org.  In the meantime, be safe and be sure to get outdoors as much as possible to absorb all that immunity boosting Vitamin D!

Coronavirus Comic for Kids....LOVE THIS!!!

Hi all,
I posted this way back before we left school.  I really love it and wanted to post again for anyone who missed it previously.

Students are hearing about coronavirus from TV, family, and friends.  The following is a link to an awesome comic for kids that will help to educate and reassure kids. 

Please Please Please click the link and consider making the comic book with your kids, if you haven't done so already.   I did it myself and I promise it is not complicated and takes just a minute!

A Comic For Kids:  Exploring the New Coronavirus

Miss you all so very much!  Sending you all a "virtual" hug today!!!

Finding the Right Words to Explain Terrible Things to Your Children

Dear Cozy Lake Family and Friends,
Sometimes it is hard to know the right way to talk to our kids about terrible things happening in the news.  It is especially difficult to be sure you are doing your best to communicate safely, honestly, and appropriately with your children.

The following are wonderful tips to help you better navigate these conversations with more confidence.  I hope you find them useful....

1. Give them facts, and let them lead the discussion.
   Children need simple, honest answers. Avoid hushing your talk when they walk into a room, and never lie. You might say: “The Coronavirus is a type of germ. These germs are very tiny and when they get inside your body, they can make you sick. The germs get in your body through your nose, mouth or eyes. When someone coughs and touches a doorknob, and then you touch the doorknob, those germs might get into your body so it’s helpful to wash our hands a lot.  A rule of thumb? Let them lead the discussion. Too much information can create anxiety.  Answer only what they ask.
2. Give them power — and responsibility.
   Kids do better when they have power. And this is a great time to give it to them. After all, children are proving to be kind of like superheroes in this; their bodies seem to have an extraordinary ability to fight off the coronavirus in ways that some bodies cannot. But with great power comes great responsibility, right? Kids can help their neighbors and loved ones stay safe and healthy if they frequently wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Remind them to cough or sneeze into their elbows or a tissue. You might tell them that hand-washing is like kryptonite to the coronavirus, and hand-sanitizer is a perfectly good stand-in when they can’t find soap and water.
3. Let them know what to expect.
   The rough part here is we don’t know exactly what to expect in the weeks and months ahead. But we do know some things. We know, for instance,  we’re going to have to find creative ways to pass the time at home. We know that we’ll have to work harder to keep ourselves, and our homes, clean. And we know that Covid-19 can resemble a typical cold and that many people — especially children — have reported only mild symptoms — fever, runny nose and cough.
4. Empathy, empathy, empathy.
   So much good can be done when we allow our kids to express the full range of their emotions, and when we receive those feelings with empathy. If their fears and frustrations are minimized or dismissed, they may show up in other ways — fighting with siblings, throwing tantrums or being generally uncooperative.  It's important to acknowledge your child's thoughts and feelings without judgment or minimizing.
5. Keep your child’s developmental stage and temperament in mind.
   Depending on their ages, stages and temperaments, some children will require more reassurance or more time to transition to changes than others. The situation is unique, and so is your child. Keep your expectations in check. If things go sideways in unexpected ways, it might be a good time to just be supportive and let it go.
6. Try to maintain a normal routine.
   It’s not easy to “stick to routine” when school closures have upended our routines massively. But try to establish a new routine, as best you can. Some kids are frightened and overwhelmed by big changes in their environments. Allow plenty of time for them to adapt to changes.  Sometimes providing a daily calendar or schedule with pictures in advance is all that is needed for successful transition.
7. Model the behavior you want to see.
   Children look to us for guidance and support, especially in trying times. Model a positive confidence about the topic, and stay grounded. That goes for issues like hygiene and social isolation, too. You can’t expect a 6-year-old to wash her hands or a 10-year-old to isolate from his friends if you aren’t modeling that behavior and willing to do the same.
8. Consider adjusting the screen time limits.
   With so many of us working from home, and unable to count on our usual childcare, getting by is a good thing; this isn’t the time to beat ourselves up. If you need to temporarily adjust your screen-time limits, do it. Just be smart about it; if you loosen all the limits around addictive games or programs, those things will be much harder to manage after things calm down. Try to be specific about how much time is allowed and with whom they can communicate. Get ideas online about other things to do with kids that are not screen-related, and remember that they need to run and play. Without school recess, you may want to implement “yard time” to get them moving. Also, if possible, encourage the use of social apps, such as Skype or Facetime, where your kids can interact with others. Social connection is important, especially at a time of social distancing. Virtual playdates may help keep cooped-up kids feeling balanced and sane.
9. Take care of yourself.
   These are anxiety-producing times on a number of levels; parents are shouldering a lot. Be sure to take care of yourself. Turn off the news; too much discouraging news is bad for our health — and our kids’ health. Run a bath; light candles; take a walk or a long afternoon nap; meditate. Look for sensory experiences — pet the dog or cat, flip through a family vacation album, put on some music or bake cookies. Do things that make you feel good and centered. Do whatever you can to calm your own nerves so that you have the ability to handle your children’s difficult questions and challenging behavior.
10. FINALLY......“Take this opportunity to reflect and make some positive changes to your new normal. Slow down and play games, read books, snuggle and cuddle, cook together, authentically connect and play together.”
11. You and your child will get through this — and, if you’re lucky, you may even be a little better for it in the end.

Give Yourself a Break!

Good morning Cozy Families,
I miss you all so very much and think about so many of you often.  I hope you are all staying safe and healthy.  I am certain most of you have had very difficult times of it lately.  We are all different and experience things in our own unique ways, but I am certain each of us are struggling in one way or another.  So, please be patient with yourself right now.  Give yourself a break!

Have you gained weight? Have you lost your sense of humor? Are you impatient with yourself, your kids or others? Are you struggling with fear and uncertainty of what the future will bring? Are you dealing with grief of a loss of a loved one or the loss of your sense of normalcy or the loss of control? Are you tired of social media? Do you miss your extended family? Do you feel lonely?

If yes to any of these questions or if you are struggling in other ways, know you are not alone!  This has effected everyone in some way.  Stop and take a deep breath.  Take a minute to think about how you are dealing with these past few months.  Are your habits helping to put you on a better path to peace and acceptance or do they make things worse?

If you're like me, you have some good habits and some "not so good" habits.  And then days when all the good habits go out the window.   For example, when your mind tells you to reach for an apple, but you tell it to "shut up" while you go and grab a dozen more cookies to go with the pizza and fried chicken you just inhaled!  It is the times like these that I am talking about.  These are the times when you need to give yourself a break.

So, what does giving yourself a break look like?!?  It's all about not badgering yourself.  Keep moving forward.  Find the things that help you stay on the right path and just try to do them more often.  When in doubt, go outside for a quick stroll.   Its a simple, easy way to reprogram your mind.  When we focus our mind on nature, we give our very busy thoughts a break.   Giving our very active minds a rest is really the very best medicine for whatever ails you!

So hang in there, give yourself a break, and when that evil voice is telling you to reach for another oreo, try to grab for an orange instead and get your body outside so your mind can hit the reset button!  Sending you all a "virtual" hug!

MASKS....BE PREPARED NEXT TIME YOU GO OUT...

The following information is directly from the CDC related to the new recommendation to wear a face covering in public. Please read the following carefully.  If you have any questions, be sure to go to the CDC website for further information. 

In case you missed it: the CDC has updated its recommendations for mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic. As new information has emerged about this coronavirus, it’s become clear that not all people who contract it show symptoms – according to CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, up to 25% of people with COVID-19 might be asymptomatic. Because of this, it’s easy for those who don’t actually know they’re infected to spread the virus to others in close proximity, and masks could be a major preventative measure to curb asymptomatic transmission. 

As of late, there has also been a lot of back and forth discussion over whether or not this virus is “airborne” and some research suggests it’s plausible because liquid droplets from sneezing, coughing and even just exhaling can linger in the air longer than originally expected. While experts are circling exact answers to this and other questions, the CDC urges the general public to be on the safe side and take all precautions to protect against coming into contact with this virus.

As a result, the CDC now recommends everyone wear cloth face coverings in public, particularly in places where social distancing is difficult to maintain and opportunities for transmission are high, like pharmacies and grocery stores. Cloth face masks can be routinely washed and re-worn, and are the best addition to social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

It’s important to note that these new recommendations are not a substitute for the current stay-at-home orders and social distancing required by some states and the federal government. Per CDC guidelines, it’s still recommended that people maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from one another, avoid social gatherings and stay home as much as possible.

Types of masks 

Cloth masks 

Cloth face coverings or masks are a cost effective way to keep yourself safe, can be made from household items (like an old t-shirt and rubber bands) or bought online, and can be re-washed and worn again. These masks should be worn by the general public to help slow the spread of coronavirus, especially in high-traffic, public areas. These are not recommended when taking care of sick patients as they do not provide adequate protection from repeated exposure to the virus. 

Cloth masks can be vital because they help slow the spread of COVID-19 between people who might have the virus but are asymptomatic and do not know they are infected. Concerns now over those who unknowingly carry coronavirus are high, so shifting to a new social norm – where everyone wears a cloth face mask – is our best line of defense when coupled with social distancing measures.

Some people are opting to reinforce their cloth masks with disposable air filters to make them more effective. The CDC suggests doubling up protection by pairing a bandana with a coffee filter to make it more effective, while some people are sewing masks with filter pockets and using disposable HEPA filters. Reinforcing seems to be a good idea and recent tests have shown HEPA furnace filters and vacuum cleaner bags to be most effective, followed by coffee filters, while scarves and bandanas captured the lowest number of particles. 

At the very least, a simple cloth mask is better than nothing and will capture more particles than wearing nothing at all. 

Surgical Masks

These are single-use, loose-fitting masks meant to be used by those treating someone who is sick and/or suspected of having COVID-19. These masks can effectively block large particles but will not necessarily prevent small particles from being transmitted by coughing or sneezing. Because of supply issues, per the CDC, these should be reserved for healthcare professionals only at this time, as they endure constant exposure to COVID-19.

N-95 Masks

These are heavier-duty, tight-fitting, single-use respirator masks which also remove particles from the air, but filter out at least 95 percent of very small particles. Like surgical masks (but even more important and effective), due to supply concerns, N-95 masks are scarce in supply and should only be reserved for healthcare professionals, as they see repeated exposure to COVID-19.

Donate Masks

If you already have surgical masks or N-95s (or other personal protective equipment) in your possession and would like to donate them to healthcare workers in need, consider using these resources:

Mask Match

PPE Link

Donate Your PPE

Donate to a specific institution

Tips for wearing masks

According to the WHO, the use of these masks should be combined with other measures, such as hand sanitizing and social distancing. Specific recommendations for proper use include: 

• Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
• Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not reuse masks until they have been washed.
• To remove the mask: remove it from behind – do not touch the front of the mask and clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. 
• Place used cloth masks in a bag or bin until they can be washed with detergent/soap and hot water.