How to Make a Cloth Mask

When social distancing cannot be practiced, the CDC recommends the use of cloth face coverings.

An advantage of these over disposable surgical face coverings is that they can be washed and reused. Simple cloth face coverings are not foolproof protection from getting Covid from others, but they are believed to help slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

An added benefit of a face covering is that it discourages you from touching your face with dirty hands—a common way of contracting the disease—because your mouth and nose are covered. 

Learn How to Make a Cloth Face Covering as well as tips for wearing, removing and cleaning from the CDC.

Health Information

For health information, we recommend that you refer to your state health department, listed under this web page's Resources by State and to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

• Twitter: @CDCgov
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CDC
• Instagram: @CDCgov
• Coronavirus FAQs
• En espanol: https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• Multilingual Fact Sheets

Virtual Safety Trainings for Farms

The NEC is now offering free virtual safety trainings via videoconferencing to Northeast farms. The trainings are available in English and Spanish.

Trainings can include information for agricultural workers about COVID-19 safety and health, including illness symptoms, prevention measures, biosecurity, and recommended resources for information. Educators are also able to offer a range of traditional safety training topics, including animal handling, food safety, chemicals, and equipment. Farms work with the educators to determine which training topics are needed. Multiple sessions to smaller groups of workers can be provided to ensure proper social distancing. For more information on virtual trainings, or to schedule a session, contact the NEC at 800-343-7527 or info@nycamh.org To learn more about safety trainings, go to: https://www.nycamh.org/programs-and-services/farm-safety-trainings.php

View NEC's slide presentation on COVID-19 safety and health to learn more about what is offered during the training on this topic.

Workplace Hygiene

Environmental Protection Agency: disinfectants for use against COVID

Respirator and PPE Guidance

Worker Protection Standard Fit Respirator Test requirements have been relaxed for 2020. Learn here about the temporary change in regulations, who is exempt from fit tests and who is not.

If you or a worker do not meet the 2020 Fit Test exemption, contact NYCAMH for assistance: 800-343-7527 or FitTest@nycamh.org

Due to the critical shortage of N95 respirators and the urgent need to route supplies to healthcare professionals, NYCAMH is currently unable to distribute disposable respirators. For those who work on farms and need respiratory protection for their job, contact our Industrial Hygienist Maggie Hoff to discuss alternatives at 800-343-7527 or margrethe.hoff@bassett.org.

Additional Resources:

VIDEOS

• N95 Respirator Overview and Limitations
• N95 Respirator Donning & Doffing (instructions on how to safely put on, check your seal, and remove)

PRINT MATERIALS

• Respiratory Protection: User Seal Check (CDC/NIOSH pdf)
• How to Properly Put On & Take Off a Disposable Respirator (CDC/NIOSH pdf)