Needing a face mask?

Working in conjunction with members of the Social Commission, a volunteer Unit Owner – Paula Castillo – has been taking a hobby to the next level, constructing do it yourself washable face masks. Last week, an initial notice went out via the Social Commission’s own distribution list: “Thanks to a thoughtful owner with sewing skills, we have a dozen washable face masks for Park Tower seniors. Pictured in the photo, they are soft, secure, and an attractive alternative to paper masks, scarves, etc.”

The masks were made available by request in the office, for seniors and elderly residents. Depending on how you might look at it, fortunately or unfortunately, in one day were gone! We wanted to post this anyhow, as Paula has advised us she is trying to make some more and anyone interested can get on our waiting list. Just send an e-mail: parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.

ORIGINAL POST:

How to Wear (AND MAKE) Cloth Face Coverings

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

CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

The CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?

Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?

A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a cloth face covering.

How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?

Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their cloth face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

FOR MORE, Including DIY, make your own cloth or bandana masks, DIY-cloth-face-covering-instructions