Businesses may decline entry to an individual refusing to wear a nose and mouth mask and violation of the mask can cause a $300 fine.If you want to venture out, wear a cloth face covering whenever you cannot keep 6 feet from others. For example, in a store, over a crowded sidewalk or on public transit.
Wearing a face covering helps to protect your health and the fitness of those around you.
Cloth face coverings aren’t a replacement for physical distancing.
Stay at home as much as possible
Keep 6 feet between you and others in public areas
Don’t touch your face
Cover coughs and sneezes
Wash the hands
If you’re sick, stay home and from others to protect them
Children under 24 months old shouldn’t wear face coverings.
Violence and discrimination are a daily experience for folks who are Black, indigenous and folks of color. Racism and racist reactions to Black, indigenous, and people of color wearing face coverings is possible. And yet we know face coverings can help people remain healthy and save lives. Multnomah County will not tolerate discrimination or violence toward individuals because of their race, ethnicity or identity.
How exactly to use cloth face coveringhomemade cloth face coverings
When wearing a cloth face covering, make sure:
To clean the hands before putting it on, and after touching it or taking if off
To utilize the ties or ear loops to place it on and remove it
The mouth area and nose are fully covered.
It fits snugly against the sides of the facial skin, without gaps.
You don’t have any difficulty breathing
The tighter the weave and the thicker the cloth, the better it’ll fit that person and offer protection.
Wash after each use with soap and hot water.
Cloth face coverings can be itchy. Don’t reach under it to touch your nose or mouth.
The CDC recommends children under 2 or anyone who can’t take away the covering themselves do not wear face coverings.
Design Tips
The tighter the weave and the thicker the cloth, the better it’ll fit that person and offer protection. It shouldn’t be TOO thick, or it will be uncomfortable.
When choosing a face covering, look for:
Tightly woven, 100% cotton fabrics such as bed linens, curtains, woven shirts
At least 2 layers
Be sure you can breathe through it
Elastic loops or ties to carry it set up
A sewn-in, washable metal nose piece, for a snug fit (a plastic coated paper clip works)
Some face coverings likewise have one or more filter layers manufactured from fabric interfacing. A coffee filter is okay when you can take it off for washing. Usually do not use HEPA filter materials like vacuum bags. These may be toxic.
Experiment for the best style for you. Is it possible to wear elastic ear loops? Or do you like ties around your mind?
If making your own, use materials already readily available (old sheets, shirts, bandanas, tea towels). Some materials, like ¼” elastic and fabric interfacing, may be difficult to find in stores.
Medical masks
Everyone shouldn’t wear medical masks or N95 respirators.
Health care personnel need these medical masks to remain safe and do their jobs.
Medical masks are in limited supply and we need to make certain these are only for front line healthcare workers.
KN95 respirators
KN95 respirators won’t be the same as N95 respirators. KN95 respirators aren’t certified as medical masks in america. Like cloth face coverings, KN95 respirators can protect the wearer and the people they are simply near, but it isn’t the same degree of protection as a medical mask.
KN95 masks are quite thick. Do not wear while exercising or if you have trouble breathing.
KN95 respirators can’t be washed. Use masks once and then dispose of.
Who Shouldn’t Wear a Face Covering
Remember, many people can’t wear a face covering due to a health, age or ability.
Children under 2 years old shouldn’t wear face coverings, or anyone who can’t remove the covering themselves.
Discrimination Is Illegal
Everyone deserves respect, whether they wear a face covering or not.
Violence and discrimination are an everyday experience for Black, Indigenous, and folks of Color communities. Racism and racist reactions to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color wearing face coverings is possible inside our current environment. Yet we know face coverings can help visitors to stay healthy and save lives. Multnomah County does not tolerate discrimination or violence toward people of their race, ethnicity, or identity.
