Newsletter: Friday, August 21
Updates on Face Covering Guidelines
On August 13th, Governor Kate Brown released new guidelines for face coverings at businesses and office spaces. These guidelines require face coverings in public and private building hallways, bathrooms, elevators and other common spaces - unless employees are in work spaces or meeting rooms in which 6 feet of distance or more can be maintained. It is also important to note that face coverings should be worn while traveling in a car with people outside of your home if you cannot maintain a 6-foot distance.
By now you are likely aware that face coverings are crucial to slowing the spread of coronavirus. But, as mentioned in our last newsletter, many of us are still getting used to incorporating them into our daily lives. Medical professionals have been releasing very useful information on how to properly use and care for face coverings in order to wear them safely and effectively. Even with all this information, many of us might still have questions about face coverings. Read below for explanations to commonly asked questions about various types of face coverings and masks, and how to use and care for them.
Types of Face Masks
There are many different types of masks we can wear to protect ourselves and others. If you find it difficult to wear a typical face covering, you could also try a scarf, bandanna, or mask with adjustable toggles which might make it more comfortable. If you are a customer, talk to your PA about finding the right face covering or mask for you. The guide below (source here) should help to differentiate between common coverings that people use.
Cloth Masks/Face Coverings
The cloth masks we wear are also called “face coverings” because they are not surgical grade “masks” that doctors wear in hospitals. Cloth face coverings are often made of cotton, and can even be homemade. Cotton is a common material to use for face coverings because it is tightly woven and very thick, which is helpful for protection against germs. However, although cloth face coverings reduce the risk of spreading germs, they are not completely effective in blocking germs, which is why a 6-foot distance from others is still recommended.
Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are made of paper and plastics and they are usually light blue and white in color. Doctors or dentists commonly use these during procedures, and they are limited in supply. It’s important to wear these the correct way; the blue color faces outward. These masks are effective at blocking large droplets, but due to the thin covering and loose fit on the face, they do not protect from smaller droplets.
N95/Professional Grade Masks
N95 masks are used by healthcare workers to protect themselves from droplets in the air while they are in a medical setting. These masks fit tightly with a protective seal. They are very effective, but not recommended by the CDC to wear on a daily basis. These masks are reserved for essential workers, like doctors and nurses. To be used properly N95 masks should be properly fitted to the person.
Face Shields
Face shields block the entire face with a clear sheet of plastic. Before the pandemic, dental hygienists often wore face shields. These shields don’t offer a full barrier to protect from droplets, due to the open bottom, but they can be useful for people who are sensitive to tight materials on their mouths or people who have difficulty hearing, so they are able to read lips.
Masks for Individuals Who Are Hard of Hearing
There are also face coverings available for individuals who are hard of hearing, or have a friend or loved one who is hard of hearing. This article gives instructions on how to make a homemade conversation face covering for people who need to read lips in order to communicate.
What Type of Face Covering Do I Need?
See the visual below to determine when to use the different kinds of masks:
Face Covering Do’s, Don’ts, Myths and Commonly Asked Questions
When you wear a face covering or mask, make sure it covers your mouth and nose completely. Don’t wear it around your neck, forehead or below your nose. Practice talking with your face covering on before you leave your home so you are sure it doesn’t fall down to expose your nose. You shouldn’t touch or adjust your face covering while you’re wearing it.
Wearing a mask might be uncomfortable in the summer heat. When wearing a mask outdoors, choose materials with light colors if possible. Breathe through your nose to prevent heat and humidity from building inside your mask. If you feel overwhelmed or overheated, move away from others so you can remove the mask safely and rest without a face covering. You can view more information on mask safety by reading the OHA bulletin.
Caring for Your Face Covering
“By now, we all know that wearing a face covering is a simple step you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But what you do with them after you wear them is important too.”
- OHA Coronavirus update July 7th, 2020
Source: Facebook
You should wash your hands before and after touching your mask, and wash your cloth coverings/masks/bandanas after every use. It is best to have more than one face covering at home so you can alternate between them and make sure they are being cleaned.
It is okay to combine a face covering with regular wash. It is best to dry it on the highest heat setting possible and wait for it to be completely dry before using the face covering again. Masks shouldn’t be worn if they are wet or damp. This reduces the ability to effectively block germs from escaping the mask. For more information on caring for your face coverings, you can visit the CDC’s website.
For further information on face masks, read OHA’s face covering fact sheet or visit Oregon’s COVID-19 mask requirements web page.
CPI Employee Highlight of the Week
A fall-themed wreath that Liz is making
Liz is our new communications manager at CPI! She joined the team this August. Although Liz has been staying home as much as possible, she is still keeping busy during the pandemic. While at home, Liz occupies her time with art and crafts. She loves to paint and make holiday decorations. She recently started working with clay and ceramics, too.
Liz’s cat Freddy, mid-yawn
Liz is adjusting to a new job online. As many of us have experienced during the stay-at-home orders, her interaction with friends and colleagues is very different now. But she is excited to find new ways to connect with her new coworkers and the CPI community! Find out more about Liz in her staff bio on our web page!
Summer recipe
Even though you may have seen some fall decorations or Halloween costumes out at the store, it is still officially summer for another month! Which means tomatoes, tomatoes and more tomatoes. The easy recipe below will help use up all of those pretty red fruits. This tart can be eaten as a snack or as lunch or dinner, paired with a side salad.
Source: Cup Of Jo
Tomato and Cheese Tart (via Cup of Jo)
Kitchen Items and Ingredients
You will need parchment paper, a rolling pin and a baking sheet.
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
5 large tomatoes
Flaky sea salt
Fresh or dried thyme
Recipe Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Place puff pastry on a sheet of parchment paper and gently roll with a rolling pin to even out the pastry.
Place parchment with puff pastry onto a baking sheet.
Evenly spread ricotta on top of puff pastry, leaving 1-inch (without cheese) all the way around.
Sprinkle salt and thyme on top of ricotta.
Bake pastry for 15 minutes.
While the pastry bakes, slice up your tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices.
Remove pastry from oven and let it cool at room temperature on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
Top pastry with tomato slices and sprinkle tomatoes with additional salt and thyme leaves. Slice, serve and enjoy!
If you make this recipe, we’d love to see photos to feature in our next newsletter! Send those pictures to ekuth@communitypath.org.
Upcoming Events
ABI Your Voice, Your Vote!
ABI (All Born In) is hosting a virtual workshop to teach the DD community about voting. You will learn how to register, what the voting process is like, what your rights are and what to expect this November for the presidential election.
Host: ABI (All Born In) Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Date: Wednesday, August 26th, 2020 Where: Virtual Workshop via Zoom, sign up here.
Questions? Email anugent@nwdsa.org
Event page may be viewed here.
Creative Alternatives to In-Person Gatherings
Organize drive-through greetings or car parades for celebrations like birthdays and other special events. Decorate posters or pick a theme and dress up for extra fun!
Use a video calling application to put together a dance party, karaoke night, book club or cooking class with friends or family.
Host a virtual game night. Websites like Playingcards.io and applications such as Jackbox.TV allow you to play cards and trivia games with friends from afar!
