IS EVERYONE IN ALAMEDA COUNTY WHO WANTS TO BE VACCINATED… VACCINATED??
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![[Image description: A white femme presenting person is staring into the camera, wearing a black short sleeve shirt with their hair pulled back into a bun. They are wearing a surgical mask and a face shield.]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e879fecdab0c11f8b40270c/1599593761559-8A8BR9T8PO7319T2J0NO/image-asset.jpeg)
[Image description: A white femme presenting person is staring into the camera, wearing a black short sleeve shirt with their hair pulled back into a bun. They are wearing a surgical mask and a face shield.]
Coronavirus is spread through inhaling respiratory droplets. Wearing a mask can reduce your risk of getting and spreading the disease. It also reinforces physical distancing, and shows you care about the health of others. So, it’s important to understand the different kinds of masks and the right way to wear them.
Kinds of masks
There are many kinds of masks, but these are the 3 most common:
Cloth mask or face covering
This is cloth used to cover the nose and mouth, tied behind the head, or secured over the ears with elastic. It is made of cotton, silk, linen, or neoprene, and can be machine-made or hand-sewn. A homemade version can be improvised from a scarf or t-shirt.
Most people should wear a cloth mask. This is so there can be enough surgical masks and N95 masks for medical personnel.
Wearing a cloth mask doesn’t take the place of social distancing. It is effective when combined with keeping a 6-foot distance from others.
Use and care: Wear a clean mask every time you go out. Wash in the laundry or by hand between uses.
Where to find: Many online sellers now offer masks in a variety of materials. You can also make your own.
Surgical mask
This is a manufactured paper mask, often used in surgery. Don’t buy surgical masks for personal use. They are part of PPE needed by medical professionals and other workers.
Medical personnel wear surgical masks, but so do workers in:
Manufacturing
Food processing
Community/social services
Social work
In-home day care
Law enforcement/public safety
Schools
Use and care: Start with a new mask every day. Replace and dispose of it according to your workplace guidelines.
Where to find: If you are in one of the above industries, your employer should provide surgical masks at work. If you’re a frontline employer and need to order them for your workers.
N95 mask
This is a mask that has a respirator that blocks 95% of particles that are otherwise inhaled. Medical personnel need them the most, but they’re used by some workers in other industries.
Don’t buy N95 masks for personal use. They are part of PPE needed by medical professionals and other workers.
Use and care: Start with a new mask every day. Replace and dispose of it according to your workplace guidelines.
Where to find: If an N95 mask is required for your job, your employer should provide them at work. If you’re a frontline employer who needs N95 masks for your workers.
shGet Free Masks and Free At-Home, Rapid COVID-19 Tests from CRIL
The free masks and COVID Test Kits will include masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests. The free tests are limited to four tests per household at this time. Kits can either be picked up at CRIL by appointment or through scheduled contactless delivery. We are following social distancing, sanitizing, and safety protocols to keep you and our staff safe during handoffs. To get your free Masks and COVID Test Kits, please call us (510) 881-5743.
COVID-19 FAQs
