Preparing for Back-to-Work

Heading back to work - Masks and More Guidance from Central District Health

Many of us are heading back to work, but in a manner that will be quite different than the world we left behind just a couple of short months ago. While many of us will remain at home, most of us will be slowly phasing back into an office environment. So...should you wear a mask at work? This decision is largely personal and we know there is a variety of information available at your fingertips. While some folks will forego a mask in smaller offices, many will choose to use a face covering, especially in larger office environments. We wanted to give you a bit of guidance as it pertains to wearing a face mask, should you choose to go that route.

 

According to the CDC, Cloth face coverings should—

  • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

  • be secured with ties or ear loops

  • include multiple layers of fabric

  • allow for breathing without restriction

  • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

 

DIY Facemasks

For you sewing machine users out there, we have a Facemask pattern for you here (thank you, sewfinity.com)! Here are some sewfinity tips and tricks! And if you don't have access to a sewing machine or don't know how to use one, the CDC has some no-sew options here.

 

Sanitizing 

Sanitizing your mask is also important. You should routinely wash your mask after use. There are several ways you can do this.

Option 1: Thoroughly wash the mask in soap and warm water and leave it to dry in the sun for five hours.

Option 2: If you do not have access to sunlight, place the mask in water in a pressure cooker and boil it for at least 10 minutes and leave it to dry. Adding salt to the water is recommended. In the absence of a pressure cooker, you may boil the cloth mask in hot water for 15 minutes.

Option 3:If you do not have access to a pressure cooker/boiling water wash, clean the mask with soap and apply heat on the mask for up to five minutes. You may use an iron. Source

 

Making Masks for the Community

If you are making many masks in hopes to share with the community, THANK YOU! Please follow the guidelines below, then fill out this form to tell us what you have. We will do our best to virtually match you with a need in our community!

 

 

Credits and Other Resources

 

Here are some additional recommendations from our friends at Central District Health