Cloth Face Coverings

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). Cloth face coverings may help people who have COVID-19 but do not know it from transmitting the virus to others. In addition, cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.

  • Cloth face coverings should NOT be worn by children under the age of two or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • Cloth face coverings should be washed every day to get rid of trapped viruses or bacteria.
  • Residents are advised to use cloth face coverings so limited supplies of surgical masks can be prioritized in health care settings - the difference between cloth or "alternative" masks and surgical masks (PDF)​.

Finally, while cloth face coverings are an important step in slowing the spread of COVID-19, residents should continue the following recommendations:

  • Maintain social distancing.
  • Cover your cough and sneezes.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Wipe surfaces down regularly.

Policies

Signs, posters and fact sheets

How to make a cloth face covering

A Mask for Everyone Initiative

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donation site