This is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens.
The Governor has Issued Executive Order 20-52 mandating that “most Kansans” wear masks. Whether or not this new order applies to you, it is important that everyone understand the correct way to wear masks. This is not meant to say “you must wear a mask” – this is simply to provide information on the correct way to wear one.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) shares tips on putting on, using, and removing the mask. These include:
· *Putting on the mask:
1. Before putting on the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content, or soap and water.
2. Never touch the front of the mask.
3. Tie the mask above the head, not straight back. Avoid cutting into the ears.
· *Wearing the mask:
1. Treat the mask as it already – and always – has the virus. Do not touch the front of the mask and then your face. (If you do touch the front of the mask, immediately sanitize your hands.)
2. The mask should cover the mouth and nose. It may help to think of it more as a “face covering”.
3. Do not wear the mask if it is damp or wet (this includes with spit or mucus).
· *Removing the Mask
1. Again, do not touch the front of the mask. Remove the mask from the ties or elastic behind the head.
2. Dispose of used masks, or if they are reusable, wash after every use – or at least daily.
3. Immediately sanitize your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after removing the mask.
Non PPE (personal protective equipment) masks are NOT meant to replace proven public health strategies like staying home, social distancing and practicing good hygiene, which are all still the best ways to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. If used correctly, masks are simply another tool to help people who may have the virus -- but may not know it -- from transmitting it to others. “My wearing a mask protects you; your wearing a mask protects me.”