With COVID-19 cases surging across Gallatin County, we have a better appreciation of the role that face coverings play in slowing transmission. As the cold weather moves in and pandemic fatigue lingers, stay diligent on good face cover hygiene.
Face coverings are an inexpensive tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends wearing a face covering in public spaces. In Montana counties with four or more active COVID-19 cases, people over 5 years old must wear face coverings in public places, such as grocery stores, churches, and pharmacies, as well as in outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible.
Wearing your face covering properly and keeping good hygiene will help reduce risk and help control the COVID-19 outbreak in Gallatin County. Make sure your face covering provides you maximum protection and follow these dos and don’ts:
Do:
- Continue to socially distance even when wearing a face covering.
- Cover both your nose and mouth.
- Make sure your face covering is loose fitting and made of woven layers of cotton.
- Wash your hands before putting on and taking off your face covering.
- Remove your face covering from the ear loops or ties.
- Wash your face covering after each use.
Don’t:
- Don’t touch your face covering once it is securely in place.
- Don’t let others use your face covering without washing it first.
- Don’t remove your face covering by grabbing its center.
With the opening of K-12 schools, college classes, and traveling tourists, the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations was expected. Face coverings are a useful and easy tool to slow COVID-19 infection in Gallatin County. With a bit of maintenance and care, face coverings will continue to protect our family, friends, and community for as long as we need.
