New NY State Mandate on Face Masks Starts Friday

If you have been resisting wearing a face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic then there is something you need to know.  Yesterday Governor Andrew Cuomo announced (see video below) that he has issued an Executive Order which begins this Friday, April 17. The order requires New Yorkers to wear a mask or some kind of face covering that covers the nose and mouth when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is why it's important to wear a mask:

"to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used."

Learn below HOW to wear a mask according to the CDC: Cloth face coverings should...

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

The CDC recommends washing your mask regularly, in a washing machine is fine. Plus, after removing it, wash your hands!

To learn how to make your own mask since they are very hard to come by, the CDC has a few simple patterns: one that involves sewing and the other you can make without sewing by just cutting up an old t-shirt. CLICK HERE to get instructions for both.