COVID-19 Face Coverings: Frequently Asked Questions

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COVID-19 Face Coverings: Frequently Asked Questions

 Face coverings are critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19. Wear one at all times when outside your home and around other people, and even while at home if you are with people you don’t live with or if you or someone you live with is sick, recently tested positive for COVID-19, or was recently exposed to someone with COVID-19. 

Face coverings save lives – wear one and wear it correctly: snug against your face and covering both your nose and mouth. 

What is a face covering and how do they work? 

A face covering is a well-secured cloth covering or disposable mask that covers your nose and mouth. Face coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by: 

• • Protecting the wearer, by reducing their exposure to respiratory particles that may contain the virus. 
• • Protecting others, by reducing the amount of respiratory particles that enter the air when someone with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. 

Some people with COVID-19 have no symptoms but can still spread the virus, which is why it’s important for everyone to wear a face covering, even if they don’t feel sick. 

What type of face covering should I use? 

Not all face coverings provide the same amount of protection. When selecting a face covering, consider the following: 

• • Do not use a face covering with an exhalation valve as it allows unfiltered exhaled air to escape. 
• • Use a face covering with two or three layers of material to better prevent unfiltered air from passing through. You can also use a cloth face covering over a disposable mask. 
• • Use face coverings made of tightly woven fabric (fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source). Face coverings should be made of breathable fabric (like cotton), and not of leather, plastic or other materials that make it hard to breathe. 
• • Make sure the face covering fits snugly against the sides of your face and fully covers both your nose and mouth, without slipping. Face coverings that fit loosely allow respiratory droplets to enter and leak out. Here are some tips to help ensure a snug fit: o Wear a cloth face covering over a disposable mask. 
• o Wear a face covering with a nose wire. 
• o Wear a face mask fitter or brace. 
• o Knot the ear loops and fold or tuck extra material. 
• • Consider using higher-grade masks, such as a KN95 mask, which is similar in design and function to N95 respirators used by healthcare workers. o N95 respirators should be reserved for healthcare settings. 

If you are 65 or older or have an underlying medical condition that increases your risk of severe COVID-19, you need to be extra careful. Also, people who care for someone who is sick and people who are in prolonged close contact with non-household members while indoors (such as people who regularly work in-person with the members of the public and people riding subways, airplanes, buses or other public transportation) may need added protection. In such cases, consider wearing two masks (a cloth covering over a disposable mask) or using a higher-grade mask like a KN95 mask. 

More information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website. 

How do I wear two face coverings? 

Wearing two face coverings can provide you and others with added protection by increasing the number of layers of material and making for a snugger fit. When wearing two face coverings, consider the following: 

• • Use one cloth face covering and one disposable mask. The disposable mask should be worn underneath and the cloth face covering on top. 
• • Do not use two disposable masks. 
• • Do not use a face covering over or under a KN95 mask. A KN95 should be worn alone. 

Who must wear a face covering? 

New York State (NYS) law requires everyone over age 2 who can medically tolerate a face covering to wear one when in public if unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others. Examples include walking on a busy street, shopping in stores, seeing your doctor, dining at a restaurant (when not eating or drinking), going to your place of worship or attending a gathering. You must wear a face covering at all times when riding public transportation, such as the subway, ferry, bus, taxis and car services. 

We strongly recommend you wear a face covering as much as possible when in a shared indoor space outside your home, such as places of worship, offices, and someone else’s home, even if you can maintain 6 feet of distance from others. Wear a face covering at all times when around someone who is sick or if you need to leave home while sick. 

When should I wear a face covering while at home? 

There are times you should wear a face covering even while at home. Wear a face covering: 

• • If you live with others and you are sick, recently tested positive for COVID-19 or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19 (unless you are alone in a separate room); you should also where a face covering when you are around pets. 
• • If someone else in your household is sick, recently tested positive for COVID-19 or was recently exposed to someone with COVID-19 (unless you are in a separate room). 
• • If someone you do not live with is in your home; you should also ask them to wear a face covering. 

What if I live in group housing with shared facilities? 

If you live in a facility that has shared kitchens, bathrooms or other common spaces, wear a face covering when you leave your apartment or room. 

Do children need to wear a face covering? 

Children over age 2 must wear a face covering. Consider the following: 

• • For young children, try to find a smaller face covering or one made for children. If you cannot, shorten or adjust the face covering straps to make sure the face covering fits snugly. 
• • Small children are more likely to touch their face covering, so caretakers should wash children’s hands or apply hand sanitizer often. 
• • Schools and child care programs have special requirements. Please check with your child’s school or program. 

What if I have a health problem that makes it hard for me to wear a face covering. Do I still need to wear one? 

If you have a health problem that makes you unable to tolerate a face covering, you do not need to wear one. This makes practicing physical distancing and hand hygiene even more essential. 

Do I need to wear a face covering when I am exercising? 

If you are exercising outside, you do not need to wear a face covering as long as you maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others. When exercising in an indoor gym or fitness facility, you must wear a face covering at all times (unless medically unable to tolerate a face covering or under age 2). Per NYS requirements, bandanas, buffs and gaiters are not acceptable face coverings for use in gyms and fitness centers. 

Do I need to wear a face covering while at work? 

You must wear a face covering at work, unless you are certain you can maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others (including co-workers, customers, clients and visitors). Employers must provide face coverings to employees for free. Your employer may have additional requirements as to when a face covering, or other protection, is needed. Even if 6 feet of distance can be maintained, wearing a face covering as much as possible when working indoors and around other people is strongly recommended. If you cannot medically tolerate a face covering, discuss with your employer whether a reasonable accommodation is possible. 

I had COVID-19 and am better now. Do I still need to wear a face covering? 

Yes. The NYS requirement for wearing a face covering applies even if you had COVID-19. 

I was vaccinated against COVID-19. Do I still need to wear a face covering? 

Yes. We need to be cautious until more people are vaccinated and until there has been more time for us to better understand the impact of the vaccines on the spread of COVID-19. As such, you must still wear a face covering and practice physical distancing and other COVID-19 prevention measures after being vaccinated. 

Can I wear a face shield instead of a face covering? 

A face shield is not an acceptable substitute for a face covering at this time. More research is needed regarding the effectiveness of face shields in stopping respiratory droplets from spreading. Face shields may be considered for use by someone who cannot medically tolerate a face covering or in addition to wearing a face covering. It should not substitute a face covering. 

How often do I need to wash my face covering? 

We recommend washing cloth face coverings once a day or after about eight hours of use. You can wash cloth face coverings by hand or machine using detergent and hot water. The face covering should be fully dry before using. 

For how long can I use a disposable face covering? 

There is no set length of time. You may be able to use the same disposable face covering for up to five days. You should discard disposable face coverings if they become damaged, dirty or wet. 

Are there precautions I should take with my face covering? 

Using face coverings incorrectly can spread germs. For this reason, it is important to properly wear, store and dispose of face coverings by doing the following: 

• • Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer every time you put on and take off your face covering. If you are unable to clean your hands, be very careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. 
• • Do not put face coverings where others can touch them or where germs trapped in your face covering can touch other surfaces, such as countertops or your kitchen table. 
• • Do not throw your face covering loose in a bag or backpack. Keep a small bag with you to store your face covering if you will be taking it off when outside your home. 
• • Discard disposable face coverings in the garbage. Do not throw them on the street. 
• • See How to Put On a Face Covering for more information. 

Is it possible to make my own face covering? 

Yes. See the CDC’s website for instructions on making a cloth face covering. 

The NYC Health Department may change recommendations as the situation evolves. 

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MELS TAX WORKSHOP on WED. JAN. 27, 5:30 PM

MAYORAL FORUM, TAX WEBINAR, COVID UPDATES, PAID FAMILY LEAVE, EDUCATION and MORE

DC 37 VIRTUAL MAYORAL FORUM on MONDAY, JAN. 25, 5:30 PM

DC 37 will host a members only Virtual Mayoral Candidate Forum on Monday Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. Please register in advance here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j9OwSPAgSFKN0qJLibHZ9A. You will receive a code to access this union event 24 hours in advance. For more information please call the DC 37 Political Action Department at 212-815-1550.

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MELS TAX WORKSHOP on WED. JAN. 27, 5:30 PM

The MELS Tax Tips webinar is Wed. Jan. 27. The union's team of legal experts can help you understand tax preparation for 2020. What's income, what's not? Filing status, standard and itemized deductions, tax credits and other tax prep tips. Join the webinar Jan. 27,  5:30 to 7 p.m. Register at www.dc37mels.com to receive the Meeting ID e-mail before the event. For more information, call the MELS Screening Unit at 212 815-1111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.t

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MELS UPDATE on NYS COVID Eviction Moratorium through MAY 1

On December 28, 2020, a sweeping eviction ban took effect in New York, giving qualifying tenants fearful of losing their homes during the pandemic, relief through May 1, 2021.

To qualify for protection from eviction, tenants must file a “hardship declaration” explaining the source of their hardship. The eviction ban does not protect tenants who are creating safety or health hazards for other tenants or tenants who do not file a declaration. Nor does the law absolve the financial obligations of renters who file declarations, leaving them subject to eviction after May 1.

Click on https://bit.ly/3nj8O2u to view a sample “hardship declaration” that you can print and submit to your landlord.  MELS suggests that you send a copy to the landlord by regular first class mail with a “certificate of mailing” (visit your local post office – a certificate of mailing can be obtained for the price of a first class postage stamp). If possible, a copy should also be hand delivered or emailed to the landlord. If you have pending court case, please contact your MELS attorney to have the form served on the landlord’s lawyer.

To speak with a MELS attorney about the eviction ban or any other housing matter or to access your free legal service benefits, please call the MELS Screening Unit at 212 815-1111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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NYC COVID VACCINE AVAILABLE

The City of New York and other employers where DC 37 members work are distributing COVID-19 vaccines for their employees.

New York City is currently vaccinating certain groups at worksites and other 24 hr. locations. Inoculation is voluntary and free at worksites. The two FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer-BioN Tech and Moderna, require two doses that are administered several weeks apart.

Your agency will notify you when the state guidelines are updated to include your category of work. Learn more here: http://on.ny.gov/2JUN7IH.

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PAID FAMILY LEAVE BENEFIT

The Paid Family Leave benefit increases to 12 weeks in 2021, from 10 weeks. The maximum weekly paid benefit increases to $971.61 or $1,943 bi-weekly. This union negotiated New York State benefit is available to all DC 37 members, including those in the six nonprofit and private sector locals. PFL provides a salary and job security while you bond with your newborn or adopted child, care for a sick parent or close relative, and more. For details and to acess the new 2021 PFL calculator, visit: http://on.ny.gov/2LsklQ8

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EDUCATION FUND

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND PROVIDES FREE SOCIAL WORKER WORKSHOPS FOR LOCAL 768 MEMBERS

The DC 37 Education Fund in conjunction with the National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter, plans to host two (2) continuing education workshops online in February and March for eligible Local 768 licensed Social Workers:

Barriers to Effective Implementation of Evidence-Based Addictions Treatment (3 CEU’s) – Tues., Feb. 16, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Registration deadline – Feb. 1)

Transformance in Action: AEDP in Clinical Social Work (4 CEU’s) – Sat., March 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Registration deadline – Feb. 24)

Understanding the Experience of Individuals Indirectly Impacted by the Criminal Legal System (3 CEU’s) – Tues., March 16, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Registration deadline – Feb. 23)

To attend these virtual workshops complete the online application here: www.dc37edfund.org/socialworkfebmar2021

For more information, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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CUNY LABOR SCHOLARSHIPS: CUNY offers full scholarships to promote leadership of women and people of color in labor to become stronger advocates for labor rights and social justice. The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies our Diversity Scholarships awards full tuition plus additional funds to working adults and full-time students to earn a MA in Labor Studies program or a BA in Urban and Community Studies. To qualify, applicants must have 60 prior credits. The deadline to apply is February 23. Scholarship applications are due on March 16.

For information on the MA program: Text 718-440-1550; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For info on the BA program: Text 646-313-8300; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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CUNY COUNSELING IS HERE FOR YOU! Worker Education at the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies (SLU) can help you reach your career and academic goals. Expert advisors offer FREE one-on-one phone sessions on: academic requirements for specific jobs; choosing a CUNY campus and major; applying to and financing a CUNY degree; certificate and non-credit options at CUNY, transferring previous credits, and more at: CUNYDays.eventbrite.com.

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RESUME WRITING, TESTING and INTERVIEW SKILLS: The Education Fund offers several workshops in February: A two-session Resume Writing workshop on how to create and submit a resume; a two-session Interview Techniques workshop to help you prepare for the interview, or refine your test-taking skills in the six-session Test Taking Strategy Skills Workshop. To register: www.dc37.net/benefits/education  For more details, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: As DC 37 resumes its Tuition Reimbursement program, we have streamlined the application process. There may be longer than usual processing time required; thank you for your patience. Members should mail in their completed reimbursement applications and supporting documents to: DC 37 Education Fund Attn: Tuition Refund, 75 Broad Street, Suite 2204  New York, NY 10004

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YOU CAN GET YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA. LET DC 37's ED FUND HELP  

Do you need your High School Equivalency Diploma? You may be eligible for the TASC test waiver in effect through June 30, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The test for the High School Equivalency Diploma is now called the TASC Test. The TASC, Test Assessing Secondary Completion, replaces the GED exam. If you took and passed at least three subtests on the TASC and/or the GED exam you may qualify for the COVID-19 waiver. For more details, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Personnel Services Bulletin 600-4

600-4

Subject: Temporary Citywide Policy for Vaccination of City Employees against SARS-CoV-2

Date: January 7, 2021

I. Background

In 2020, Public health officials discovered a new coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2. The virus may cause some infected persons to develop a disease called COVID-19 that has an array of adverse health effects which may cause temporary or long-term disability or death.  The virus is spread between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. 

In December 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved emergency administration of two vaccines shown in clinical trials to be effective in creating an immunity against COVID-19 in large segments of the population, with the expectation that other vaccines may become available in coming months.  Effective administration of the vaccines approved for use as of the date of issuance of this policy requires an initial injection of the vaccine followed by a second injection three to four weeks after the initial injection. 

The vaccines will initially be made available according to a schedule that prioritizes administration based on such factors as the incidence of a person’s exposure to the virus as a result of his or her occupation as a provider of medical services or  his or her institutional confinement, or a person’s susceptibility to the debilitating effects of the disease due to the presence of underlying co-morbidities or the person’s advanced age.   The long-term goal is to effectuate the immunization of the vast majority of residents of the country against the coronavirus and thereby eradicate the disease.

II. Purpose

As an integral element of the City’s efforts to reduce or eliminate the spread of COVID-19, it is implementing a temporary citywide policy to encourage City employees to be vaccinated when administration of the vaccine becomes available to the employee in accordance with schedules adopted by the State and City of New York. The temporary policy provides excused leave for the purpose of traveling to a vaccination site and receiving the vaccine during work hours and compensatory time upon completion of the vaccination protocol. This policy does not supersede City rules, regulations, or policies applicable in the workplace, but rather is designed to encourage and facilitate the expeditious vaccination of City employees in order to protect the workplace and City residents in general.

III. Policy and Procedure

A. Excused Leave

An employee may take up to two hours of excused leave for travel during scheduled work hours to the administration site and receipt of the vaccination for each required administration of the vaccine. To the extent practicable, an employee should notify his or her supervisor at least three calendar days before the scheduled administration of the vaccine and schedule the excused leave for a time that minimizes interference with agency operations. The employee must provide documentation of the scheduled vaccination at the time he or she notifies the supervisor of the need for excused leave and provide documentation of the receipt of each required vaccination, including the date and time of administration, signed by the provider or the provider’s agent.  Employees are excused only for the time required to receive the vaccine, including travel to and from the vaccination site, up to a maximum of two hours for each administration. Any additional time off must be charged to the employees' leave balances. 

An employee who receives administration of a vaccination during non-working hours shall not receive excused leave for such administration. 

B. Compensatory Time

Upon the employee’s submission of documentation that he or she has received all injections of the vaccine required by the protocol for the vaccine administered to the employee (e.g. after confirmation of both the first and second dose, if the protocol requires two injections), the employee shall be credited with three hours of compensatory time. Employees are eligible to receive compensatory time upon the receipt of the vaccine whether it was received during work hours or non-working hours.  This compensatory time can be used at the employee's discretion, subject to agency approval, immediately after donation, or banked for up to one year. An employee cannot be paid for this time in lieu of taking it off. 

Lisette Camilo
Commissioner

Inquiries:  Citywide Personnel Policy (DCAS) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Halls for New York City Employees

The City of New York’s Vaccine Command Center is inviting you to join a virtual town hall event, featuring Dr. Jay Varma, Senior Public Health Advisor to the Mayor, for the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine. This will be an excellent opportunity for New York City staff to learn more about the vaccines, vaccine safety, and how/where they are being distributed and have the opportunity to ask questions.

This event will be held on multiple occasions to accommodate varying employee schedules.  

• Friday, January 15th at 11am
• Tuesday, January 19th at 1pm
• Wednesday, January 20th at 7pm
• Thursday, January 21st at 6pm
• Monday, January 25th at 6pm

Questions will be accepted in advance, and Dr. Varma and DOHMH staff will address as many as possible during the event. Please submit your questions through this link by 8am on the day of the briefing you plan to attend. Dial-in here at the time of the call: 866-976-6361. If you have any issues dialing in, please try this number instead: 443-456-9000.

As always, we are grateful for your service to New York City during this unprecedented crisis, and we thank you for your dedication and partnership as we work to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahead of the event, to learn more:

• NYC Vaccine Command Center: nyc.gov/vcc 
• DOHMH vaccine website: nyc.gov/covidvaccine 
• For groups eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine: nyc.gov/covidvaccinedistribution 
• Vaccine site locations for eligible New Yorkers: https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/ 
• Vaccine appointment phone number: 877-VAX-4NYC 
• Eligibility Flyer: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-1b-flyer.pdf 
• Vaccine Fact Sheet: "What New Yorkers Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines"  

Our vaccine media campaign is live! Use our social media kit to amplify these important messages, including #IGotTheShotNYC and #NYCVaccineForAll