Face Coverings Mandatory, Donations Optional

The Governor’s statewide Order to wear cloth face coverings is worrying some residents, but it doesn’t need to. The face coverings can be as simple as a bandana or a scarf, or can be made from basic patterns that can be completed with or without sewing.

Governor Hogan’s executive order requires the wearing of face coverings when inside any retail or foodservice establishment or when riding any form of public transportation in each Maryland county. The statewide order goes into effect tomorrow, Saturday, April 18, at 7 a.m. 

It’s important to remember that the Governor’s mandate is designed to slow the spread of the virus and help keep people who may already have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. These kinds of coverings will not keep you from getting the virus. 

People across the county have been trying to do their part by making homemade face coverings or masks for themselves, their family and friends, and even for hospital staff. Staff at medical facilities can use the homemade masks as a secondary barrier to making medical grade masks last longer. These secondary face coverings can be worn directly over personal protective equipment (PPE); changed often, cleaned, and sanitized to be reused, or used as a last resort.

For those who want to volunteer to make secondary barriers specifically designed for medical facilities, or to donate supplies, go to www.garretthealth.org/community and click Masks. You will receive instructions on how to help with this effort.

“The outpouring of support and willingness to help has been incredible,” said Garrett County Administrator Kevin Null. “Garrett County has, once again, shown support for the community by going above and beyond.”

There are also many groups and individuals across Garrett County who would like to donate a supply of homemade masks.

To collect these face coverings, Garrett County Government has arranged with several towns to act as a donation collection point. The collection will begin today at each of the Accident, Grantsville, Loch Lynn, Mt. Lake Park, and Oakland Town Hall locations during regular business hours. Each building will have a container for donations and the materials will be picked up periodically.

Regardless of which form of face covering you choose to wear, covering your face when in retail and foodservice locations is mandatory across Maryland. The measure has been deemed necessary to slow the overall spread of COVID-19. This link, bit.ly/diy-masks, goes to the CDC file that gives several suggested ways to make a face covering, explains how to wear it, and how to take care of it. 

The public is asked to show their support for the safety of the Garrett County community by wearing a face covering, snapping a selfie, and sharing it to their social media with the tag #CoverGC.

By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team