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COVID-19
Face Masks

How to Wear & Care for Your Cloth Face Mask
by MRHS' Nurse Stacia Steen, RN

Face masks help prevent the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, along with other preventive measures such as frequent hand-washing and social distancing. 

While surgical and N95 masks are in short supply and must be reserved for health care providers, cloth masks are easy to find and can be washed and reused. The CDC updated its guidance to recommend widespread use of simple cloth face coverings to help prevent transmission of the virus.

MRHS has a supply of cloth face masks provided by the NYC Department for the Aging. Please contact MRHS at 212-666-4000 if you need a face mask.

How many face masks do I need?
It’s a good idea to have at least two. This way, you will have a fresh mask if one is in the wash, misplaced, or lost.

How often should I clean my cloth face mask or covering?
The CDC recommends washing your cloth face mask after each wearing. It should be washed typically when you are done with it.
 
Which Masks can be washed?
Bandannas, face scarves and masks made of fabric, such as cotton, can be washed in your regular laundry. Disposable, blue surgical masks cannot be laundered or cleaned and should be thrown away when it is visibly soiled or damaged.

The CDC explains how you wear and wash your cloth face covering:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

World Health Organization: how to wear non-medical and medical masks safely:
(COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact MRHS Nurse Stacia Steen.

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Face Masks with "Fashion Appeal"

We all know that New York State is requiring that we all wear face masks or face coverings in public. The question is... can one also be "fashionable" while wearing one?  We think so... check out the photos below and see!

(Click image for larger view)

(Click image for larger view)

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Building VI resident Nancy Ross has been designing, creating and donating CDC-compliant cloth face masks to MRHS, which are made to proper health specifications.  As you can see in the pictures above, the masks are made in a variety of beautiful material colors and patterns. Each mask is in a sealed bag, and includes instructions for the proper wearing and care of the washable mask. Each mask includes an insertable/removable filter for the mask as well.

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The "Surgical Look"?
Just in case you like walking around NYC looking like a surgeon about to perform an appendectomy, MRHS also has a generous supply of those "traditional" blue surgical-style face masks as well as plain white cotton face masks, thanks to several anonymous donors.

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No matter your preference, if you are in need of a mask, please reach out to MRHS at 212-666-4000  or email us at [email protected]  Be fashionable... and Mask UP... for you and for everyone else!