Wear a Face Mask to Keep COVID Wear a Face Mask to Keep COVID-19 from Sp Spreading
Face masks are required in Vermont public spaces. Effective August 1, 2020, in Vermont, you are required to wear a face mask in public spaces, any time it is not possible to keep a 6-foot distance from others who are not part of your household. This includes both indoor and outdoor spaces and group living settings
(for example, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, apartment and condo complexes). A mask helps protect others around you if you are infected and don’t know it. People without any symptoms may be able to spread the virus through droplets produced when breathing, speaking, or clearing your throat. A face mask is one more precaution we can take to help slow the spread of COVID-19 – and is not a substitute for physical distancing and other prevention measures. Examples of when a face mask is required:
• Trips to any store, pharmacy, doctor, or hospital
• At a gathering in the park with friends and family who do not live in your household
• At any indoor or outdoor public event, such as a rally, protest, farmer’s market, or campaign event
• Riding the bus, taxi, or rideshare
• Walking on a busy and crowded street
• Before and after a yoga or exercise class
Examples of when face mask is not required or should not be worn:
• Going for a walk in the woods or in your neighborhood
• Doing strenuous exercise or activities, such as during a run, bike ride, or yoga class
• Children under the age of 2
• Anyone who has trouble breathing
• Anyone who can’t remove it without assistance
• Anyone who has a medical or behavioral reason for not wearing a mask. If you have a medical or developmental condition, or have trouble breathing, you do not have to show evidence or documentation of your condition. We recommend that people wear masks when they are in a private setting or space with people who live outside of their home and it is not possible to stay 6 feet apart. For example, at a gathering with family and friends in your backyard or riding in the car with someone outside of your home. If you are sick, wear a mask at home if you have other people living in the home. A face mask or covering must be worn properly to be effective and avoid the spread of germs:
• Wash your hands before putting it on.
• Be sure your mouth and nose are covered.
• Hook loops around your ears or tie it snugly.
• Do not touch it or pull it down while in public.
• Keep it on until you get home.
• Remove it without touching your eyes, nose or mouth, then wash your hands immediately. If you feel like you are overheating and are having trouble breathing because it is hot where you are, you should take off your mask, drink water, rest and seek a cool place. It is important that you keep a 6-foot distance from others whenever possible, especially when you are not wearing a mask. Clean face masks daily, by hand or machine, using detergent. A washing machine should suffice to properly wash your face masks. Make sure it’s completely dry before using. You should have a few on hand so you can rotate for washing. Make your own. CDC has instructions on making your own coverings in several different methods, including machine or hand-sewn, a no-sew method with a t-shirt and scissors, and a no-sew method with a bandana. For more information, visit www.healthvermont.gov/COVID-19.
