Bay Area health officials now recommend that everyone cover their nose and mouth with simple non-hospital grade facial coverings when leaving home for essential activities such as travel to medical appointments, grocery stores, or pharmacy visits. This also includes employees who work in essential businesses, including the staff in SRO buildings.

Simple cloth facial coverings such as bandanas, fabric masks and neck gaiters are acceptable for this purpose. Fabric covers and bandanas should be washed and re-used. Hospital grade medical masks such as N-95 or surgical masks should be preserved for health care workers in clinical settings and first responders.

To keep surgical masks useful for as long as possible, users should:

• Fold the masks in half, with the inside of the mask protected  
• Put the mask in a brown paper bag while eating, drinking and to take it home after your shift.
• Wear the mask until it’s soiled or broken.

The purpose of the recommendation is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by people who may not know they have the virus. Some people who have tested positive for the virus, have experienced minimal or mild symptoms. This recommendation is in accordance with the guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 and will help protect the public, your coworkers, and your family.