Face coverings are recommended for all in-person visits.
Masking will continue to be required for any patients or staff with a recent COVID-19 exposure, possible COVID-19 symptoms or other respiratory symptoms. Patients are currently screened for these factors upon clinic registration. If you do not have a mask and you meet these requirements, a mask will be provided. FHCSD may bring back mandatory masking based on prevalence of COVID-19 in our community, patients or workforce.
What face covering should I wear?
Not all face coverings are the same. Because you may spread COVID-19 without knowing you have it, it’s important that you use the correct face covering to protect everyone around you.
Information in: Spanish • Tagalog • Arabic
Last updated: 03/2023
Face coverings should:
- Go over both your nose and mouth
- Be medical-grade quality, such as an N95, KN95 or surgical mask
- Have NO valve on the front
While face coverings with valves can stop germs from getting in, they do not stop germs from getting out. Remember, other people’s masks keep you safe and your mask keeps other people safe.
Wearing a Mask
Putting On
- Wash your hands.
- Check for holes or tears.
- Make sure the inside of the mask is facing you.
- Hold the mask by ear loops to pull over your face.
- Make sure nose and mouth are covered.
Maintenance
Dos:
- Remove your mask before eating or drinking.
Don’ts:
- Don’t touch the front of the mask.
- Don’t pull the mask under your chin when you are talking, eating or drinking.
Removal
- Pull the mask off by the ear loops.
- Wash your hands.
Masks for Children
Putting On
- Wash your hands.
- Check for holes or tears.
- Make sure the inside of the mask is facing your child.
- Hold the masks by ear loops to pull over your child’s face.
- Make sure nose and mouth are covered.
Maintenance
Dos:
- Remove your child’s mask before they eat or drink.
Don’ts:
- Don’t let your child touch the front of the mask.
- Don’t let your child pull the mask under their chin when they are talking, eating or drinking.
Removal
- Pull the mask off by the ear loops.
- Wash your hands.
How to Make Masks Less Scary for Children
Wearing a mask can be scary or confusing for children at first. Here’s how you can make it less scary:
- Look in the mirror with the face coverings on and talk about them
- Put a face covering on their favorite stuffed animal
- Decorate the face covering
- Show your child pictures of other children wearing face coverings
- Have them draw one on their favorite character
- Practice wearing the face covering at home