Masks are recommended
Members of the public in any Pima County Health Department clinic are requested to wear a mask during any face-to-face interaction with Health Department staff when six feet of separation cannot be maintained. People who are immune-compromised or at a high-risk of catching or becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 are encouraged to wear a mask in indoor public settings if unable to maintain six feet of distance.
Pima County Health Department staff will wear a mask in these situations:
- During any face-to-face interaction with a patient in a PCHD clinic (Abrams Public Health Center, East Clinic, North Clinic, Theresa Lee Clinic, Tuberculosis Clinic)
- During any face-to-face client interaction when six feet of separation cannot be maintained at a WIC Clinic (Flowing Wells Office, South Office at Walter Rogers)
- When members of the Community Health and Food Services team are unable to maintain six feet of separation when conducting inspections.
- When warehouse personnel are unable to maintain six feet in separation when conducting business with the public.
Face Mask Guidance
A well-fitting, high quality mask is an important tool in our toolbox to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. The CDC continues to recommend that you wear the most protective mask you can, that fits well and that you wear consistently.
Think of fit, filtration and function of a mask. It is important that masks fit snugly against the face. Masks that are loose, or have gaps around the face and nose, are not as protective.
The highest quality filtration and fitting masks, are, in order:
- N95, KN95 and KF94 are the most effective at filtering the virus and fitting to the face. These masks are disposable and will need to be replaced depending how much you wear the mask. You should dispose of the mask if it becomes soiled due to sneezing and/or coughing. N95 and KN95 can be more expensive. The website www.projectn95.org assists people to find credible sources for buy these type of masks.
- Surgical Masks are easier to wear than N95 and KN95, are also disposable, and need to be replaced when soiled. Surgical masks act as a barrier to your mouth and nose from large-particle droplets, and also provide protection to those around you.
- Cloth masks are the least effective and should have at least two layers. It is recommended that you wear a disposable mask under a cloth mask if you wear a cloth mask.
More information:
Traveling on public transportation increases a person’s risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 by bringing people in close contact with others, often for prolonged periods, and exposing them to frequently touched surfaces.