MoCo Health Order: Face Coverings Required
Effective today, Monday, April 13, Montgomery County residents are under orders to wear a face covering when shopping at grocery stores, pharmacies, farmers markets, and big box retailers. Learn more about the county health order here.
Action in Montgomery is calling on all residents of Montgomery County to make and wear homemade cloth masks to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and to be in compliance with the county health orders.
Join us in spreading the word on social media and activating a movement that could save thousands of lives!
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Why should I wear a face covering?
THE NEW HEALTH ORDERS REQUIRE IT.
Starting today, Monday, April 13, Montgomery County is requiring shoppers to wear a face covering while shopping at grocery stores, pharmacies, farmers markets and big box retailers. A face covering can be a homemade cloth mask, a scarf or bandana or other means of snugly covering the mouth and nose.
THE SCIENCE SUPPORTS IT.
There are 34 scientific papers that indicate a simple, basic mask can help reduce virus transmission in public. One 5-year joint study from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Maryland found that a simple, non-fitted mask blocked 100% of coronavirus droplets.
TO PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOURSELF.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that every person wear a cloth face covering in public because many individuals who have coronavirus lack symptoms. By wearing a simple mask, you’re protecting your neighbors, family, and friends—and you’re protecting yourself.
Do NOT—
BUY MASKS.
You don’t need a medical-grade mask, but your local hospital does. All you need to protect yourself is a scarf or bandana, or a cloth mask that you can make at home out of handkerchiefs and old t-shirts—no sewing necessary!Donate any professional masks you have to your local hospital.
GIVE UP ON PHYSICAL DISTANCING.
Wearing a mask doesn’t mean you should hang out with your friends whenever you want to again. Follow your local and state laws, remember that most people who have the virus do not show symptoms, and be considerate of your more vulnerable neighbors.
STOP WASHING YOUR HANDS.
This is still your #1 defense against the virus! Keep washing your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Okay, I get it. What do I do now?
1. MAKE A HOMEMADE MASK.
Grab a scarf, bandana, or an old t-shirt and make your own cloth mask in as little as 40 seconds. You can find step-by-step instructions and videos here.
2. TAKE A SELFIE IN YOUR MASK.
Smile and show off your handiwork. 😷
3. POST YOUR SELFIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA USING THE HASHTAGS #MASKS4ALL AND #MoCoMASKMAKERS.
Write one sentence about why you wear a mask. Perhaps you wear a mask for somebody you love? Or because you are convinced by the scientific evidence? Whatever your reason, let the world know!
(Don't forget to tag AIM in your posts—@AIMforPower on Twitter and @actioninmontgomery on Instagram.)
4. INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN IN THE MOVEMENT.
The more Montgomery County residents who make and wear homemade masks, the more we protect our communities. We've created a few graphics for you to post on social media to help you spread the word. Download them for free here.
