Facial Coverings

Questions and answers about masks and face coverings

In a special edition of Tualatin Valley Community Television's "County Talk," County Board of Commissioners Chair Kathryn Harrington interviews Dr. Christina Baumann, M.D., Washington County's Health Officer, about when, why and how we should wear facial coverings.

The program can be viewed here from the Washington County YouTube channel.

More information about using and making facial coverings can be found here:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Oregon Health Authority
• Washington County Health and Human Services Department

The public is reminded to follow Governor Kate Brown’s statewide “Stay Home, Save Lives” order and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These simple steps can save lives by to slowing the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands well and often;
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue;
• Stay home unless traveling to get food, medicine or other necessary items, or if your job is considered critical and must be done in-person;
• Cancel any gatherings, conferences or non-essential meetings;
• Avoid social and other gatherings;
• Increase the physical space between each other in workplaces and other settings as appropriate; and
• Wear a cloth face covering when in public and unable to ensure appropriate physical distancing.

Health officials also ask that the public stay informed and educated through trustworthy sources of information, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oregon Health Authority and Washington County Public Health Division.

General questions about COVID-19 can be answered by calling 2-1-1. Questions about your specific medical needs should be directed to your health care provider.

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