Face Coverings FAQ
Scope
Guidance for essential personnel utilizing face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why should I wear a face covering?
Face coverings are critical for stopping the spread of COVID-19. Emerging evidence shows that face coverings help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people. It does not substitute for staying home, social distancing, hand washing, and environmental cleaning.
Where can I get a face covering?
College employees can obtain face coverings from a supervisor, gate officers, or Environmental Health and Safety. Request replacement supplies from your supervisor. Have a back-up mask readily available in the event that your face covering becomes soiled, contaminated, or breaks. Employees are allowed to use their own face coverings if they choose. However, face coverings with an exhalation valve are not allowed.
When should I wear a face covering?
You must wear a face covering to access campus, even when driving, and whenever you are on campus, even if you are outside. You do not need to wear a face covering if you are in a single-occupancy office space or during short periods of actively eating or drinking. New York State law requires everyone over age 2 who can medically tolerate a face covering to wear one when in public if unable to maintain at least six feet of distance from others.
How should I wear my face covering?
Ensure both your mouth and nose are completely covered. Treat your face covering as contaminated after removal and before washing. Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before you put your mask on and after taking it off.
How should I care for my face covering?
If your face covering is made from paper i.e. 3-ply non-medical mask, it's recommended that you dispose of it at the end of each day but it may be used for up to 1 week if properly stored. Don’t place the face covering on a work surfaces or countertops. You may need to replace more frequently should your work environment be dusty, dirty, or other conditions which could degrade the mask. If your face covering is made of cloth, wash daily with soap and hang overnight to dry. Consider rotating face coverings throughout the week.
Are there other precautions I should take?
You should wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after you put on or take off the face covering. Keep face coverings off of surfaces that may be contaminated. Keep in a paper or plastic bag between uses. Replace if the covering has become dirty or wet, worn, no longer covers the mouth or nose, or has holes or tears in it.
Why shouldn't I use an N95 or surgical mask?
Medical-grade face coverings, such as N95 or surgical masks, are in extremely short supply and must be reserved for use by health care workers caring for the most critically ill.
