Californians must cover their face in public. How to wear masks and where you can get one
Californians must now wear masks in all indoor public spaces, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday in an order designed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The mandate includes taxis, ride shares, public transportation, lines to enter any indoor public space, anywhere food is being served or prepared and public worksites as spaces where masks are required.
Masks are also required outdoors in spaces where people can’t maintain 6 feet of distance from one another.
As the state continues to reopen and Californians find themselves increasingly visiting public places like restaurants, hair salons and movie theaters, masks promise to become an even more ubiquitous feature of California life.
So here’s what you need to know about cloth face coverings and masks to slow the pandemic.
How do masks protect people?
Because the virus spreads through respiratory droplets, wearing a mask can keep you from spreading COVID-19, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your mask may not directly guard you from the virus, but it keeps others safe.
Masks may help people who are asymptomatic and don’t realize they have COVID-19 from spreading the disease when they go out. Face coverings don’t replace social distancing and other measures, but work alongside them to slow the spread.
The CDC sums it up: “Your cloth face covering may protect them. Their cloth face covering may protect you.”
If everyone wears a mask in public, risk is reduced for everyone in your community.
Where can I get a fashionable mask or one made in Sacramento?
Atrium 916 has an online marketplace for masks made in Sacramento by local creatives.
Sactown Magazine also compiled a set of Sacramento vendors you can order stylish fabric masks from.
Or, you can make your own.
Looking to go the DIY route?
In this video, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams demonstrates how to make your own mask from an old T-shirt and a few rubber bands.
The CDC also has a helpful guide to making a face covering at home, whether you know how to sew or not.
Are some masks more effective than others?
Thicker cloth and a tighter fit do more to stop the spread of the virus, according to this study. The research suggests double layered face coverings are far more effective than those with a single layer.
Should I wear an N-95?
No. N-95s should be reserved for the health care workers and other medical first responders, according to the CDC.
Should my baby wear a mask?
Only children over 2 years old should wear face coverings, the CDC says. You can order Sacramento-made cotton masks for kids from Little Bandit Masks on Etsy.
How should I wear my face mask?
Before putting on your mask, wash your hands with soap and water. Wash your hands again as soon as you get home and take it off, the CDC recommends.
Put your mask on using the ear loops and take it off by untying it or using the ear loops. Don’t touch the cloth part.
While you’re wearing your mask, make sure the cloth covers both your nose and mouth. Avoid touching your face — if you do, wash your hands.
Should I wash my face covering? How often?
The CDC recommends washing your mask after each use.
You can put your mask in the washing machine with your regular laundry. You can also hand wash them by mixing four teaspoons of household bleach per quart of water and soaking the cloth for five minutes, then rinsing it with tap water.
Dry your mask completely before putting it on again.
This story was originally published June 18, 2020 at 7:56 PM with the headline "Californians must cover their face in public. How to wear masks and where you can get one."