Make sure they properly fit over the nose and mouth

Face coverings have been required on VTA for several months now and the mandate is Point 2 of our 10-Point Plan to Strengthen Trust in Transit released last week. Both the state of California and Santa Clara County have also ordered face coverings be worn on public transit.

According to the CDC, cloth face coverings are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19. However, it's important that they are worn correctly, meaning it needs to fit snugly against the sides of your face, covering your nose and mouth and secured under your chin. This recommendation is based on what is known about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows cloth face coverings reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. But that's the important thing that bears repeating; making sure it covers your nose and mouth!

Other important information about face coverings to do and not do include:

• Do wear a face covering to help protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms
• Do wash your hands before putting on your face covering
• Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead
• Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands

The CDC also recommends that cloth face coverings should be washed after each use.

There are some exceptions to wearing cloth face coverings: children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Also remember cloth face coverings are NOT surgical masks or N95 respirators. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. 

We all have our part to do and wearing a face covering is a simple and easy way to do your part to protect others. So stay safe out there and remember, #NoMaskNoRide!

Information on this page is referenced from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html