ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH EXPLAINS BEST PRACTICES FOR MASK USE

ERIE COUNTY, NY – The significant increase in recent COVID-19 cases means that proper, consistent mask use is even more important as a protective measure for Erie County residents, regardless of vaccination status.

A high quality, well-fitting mask that seals to the sides of your face, over your nose and under your chin can prevent viral particles from escaping, and reduce the risk of exposure to or transmission of COVID-19. The best mask is the one you wear consistently and properly.

N95, KF94 and KN95 masks are designed to fit snugly around a person’s face, and have typically been used in medical and other high-risk settings. These masks are reusable, per manufacturer’s instructions, until they become damaged or wet.

Layering a two-layer or three-layer cloth mask over a procedure (paper or medical) mask is recommended as a good and more widely available alternative to masks like the N95, KN95 or KF94. “Double masking” increases the mask’s filtration capability and improves the seal on the face.

ECDOH is providing KN95 masks to municipal emergency managers and community organizations. ECDOH will announce distribution points for the general public for KN95 masks and COVID-19 at-home tests this week.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Types of Masks: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html

Ways to have better fit and extra protection with cloth and disposable masks: Wear two masks (disposable mask underneath AND cloth mask on top)

·         Cloth Masks

o   Cloth Masks can be made from a variety of fabrics and many types of cloth masks are available.

o   Wear cloth masks with

·         A proper fit over your nose and mouth to prevent leaks

·         Multiple layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric

·         Nose wire

·         Fabric – tightly woven – that blocks light when held up to bright light source

·         Do NOT wear cloth masks with

·         Gaps around the sides of the face or nose

·         Exhalation valves, vents, or other openings

·         Single-layer fabric or those made of thin fabric that don’t block light

DO NOT choose masks that have exhalation valves or vents which allow virus particles to escape

·         Disposable Masks

o   Disposable face masks are widely available. They are sometimes referred to as surgical masks or medical procedure masks.

o   Wear disposable masks with

·         A proper fit over your nose and mouth to prevent leaks

·         Multiple layers of non-woven material

·         Nose wire

·         Disposable masks are widely available.

·         Do NOT wear disposable masks with

·         Gaps around the sides of the face or nose

·         Wet or dirty material

·         Masks with gaps around the sides of the face or nose

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ECDOH, COVID-19 vaccine info & clinic schedule: http://www.erie.gov/vax

ECDOH, COVID-19 Information Line: (716) 858-2929 – foreign language interpretation available

ECDOH, COVID-19 Weekly Data Updates: https://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=covid-19-media-data

New York State Department of Health, COVID-19 Boosters: http://ny.gov/boosters

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