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Face Masks and Coverings
On Sunday, July 19, Clay County began requiring face masks and coverings to be worn in all indoor areas of public accommodation. This decision was made due to the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations of Clay County residents in recent weeks.
The goal of the mask requirement is to reduce the spread of germs that cause COVID-19, infecting more and more Clay County residents every day. Face masks and coverings have been proven to limit the spread of these germs. By increasing the use of face masks, we hope to see a reduction in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
Read the updated Clay County Public Health Emergency Order.
Download the "Mask Required" Door Sign
(Also available in Spanish)
The goal of the mask requirement is to reduce the spread of germs that cause COVID-19, infecting more and more Clay County residents every day. Face masks and coverings have been proven to limit the spread of these germs. By increasing the use of face masks, we hope to see a reduction in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
Read the updated Clay County Public Health Emergency Order.
Download the "Mask Required" Door Sign
(Also available in Spanish)
- When does the new order begin and end?
- When DO I need to wear a face mask?
- When do I NOT need to wear a face mask?
- Who is exempt from wearing a face mask?
- What if my business is privately owned?
- Can a business refuse entry to me if I'm not wearing a face mask?
- How do I report a business or organization I believe is in violation of the order?
- What if I do not own a face mask?
- How can I help my child wear a face mask?
- Are masks required for children while playing sports or during recess or PE?
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How to CORRECTLY Wear a Face Mask or Covering
In order to make wearing a face mask as effective as possible, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the mask covers your nose, mouth and chin. Because COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets, if your nose is not covered, a large of amount of droplets can still be spread into the air.
- Wash your mask after every use.
- Wash your hands before and after putting on your mask.
- Take your mask off carefully, handling only by the loops or ties.
- Learn more from the CDC.
How Masks Work and Their Effectiveness
COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice (like while shouting, chanting, or singing). These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies show that a significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 lack symptoms (are “asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (are “pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.
However, by using a face mask, you can create a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people.
A face mask may not protect the wearer but it can help prevent the wearer from spreading it to others. This is why it is important that everyone wears a mask when interacting closely with those outside their immediate contacts - you may be putting others in danger by not wearing one.
Learn more about the effectiveness of masks:
- CDC Guidance and Recent Studies
- 11/10: Scientific Brief: Community Use of Cloth Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 (includes evidence that masks not only protect others from being infected but "also help reduce inhalation of droplets by the wearer.")
- CDC calls on Americans to wear masks to prevent COVID-19 spread (7/14)
- "Still Confused About Masks? Here's the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus"
- Study Ranks the Best and Worst Materials for Face Masks
- Check out the video below!