Masking has now been mandatory for several weeks for “essential business” shoppers and
public transit riders in New Jersey. Two months ago, people would have been shocked to
see someone walking into a bank with a face mask and gloves, but this is unfortunately the
“new normal.” Masks don’t necessarily protect the wearer from getting the virus, but can
be very effective in protecting people around them - namely essential workers.
Unlike the millions of Americans who can work from home during the COVID-19 crisis,
healthcare professionals, first responders, grocery store clerks, delivery workers,
warehouse operators, truck drivers, postal workers, construction workers, gas attendants
and public servants are on the front lines keeping us safe and providing the public with
essential services.
Protective measures like shelter-in-place and social distancing aren’t always an option
for these individuals, leaving them and their families at a higher risk for catching the
virus as they perform their critical duties. These essential employees continue to work in
dangerous conditions, and many of them are experiencing a short supply of personal
protective equipment (PPE).
In light of increasing evidence that asymptomatic COVID-19 individuals can transmit the
virus and in order to protect those on the frontline, Governor Murphy ordered the general
public to mask and for store owners to provide PPE for their employees.
A mask is worn to prevent the droplets that fly out of our mouths - when we speak, not
just when we cough or sneeze - from being inhaled by those nearby. So, as we do our best
to maintain at least 6 feet away from one another, our masks add another level of
protection. My mask protects you, while your mask protects me. However, it is still
extremely important to maintain appropriate distances between ourselves and others when in
public spaces.
Like many of you, I do my best to limit going to the grocery store. I usually go on
Fridays, make a plan, bring a mask, and limit my time in the store. Last week, when I did
my grocery run, I was shocked to see a couple of people in the store without a mask,
others attempting to use the t-shirt they were wearing to cover their mouths and noses,
and I even saw two people wearing masks over their mouths and not covering their noses.
I cannot say that I was a mask expert before this pandemic, but I know one thing - the
individuals described above are putting our essential employees at risk. With that said,
I wanted to take an opportunity to share some resources and information on masking.
1. Wash your hands before putting on your mask and after taking it off.
2. When you put on the mask, make sure it covers your nose and mouth and fits
comfortably around your face.
3. Once you put your mask on, refrain from readjusting it or touching the front when
you're taking it off.
4. Replace your mask if it feels damp.
5. When you're done with the mask, or replacing it with a new one, carefully take
it off from behind or by the straps.
6. Either dispose of your mask - IN THE GARBAGE or put reusable cloth masks directly
into the laundry hamper.
7. Wash. Your. Hands.
Since there’s a shortage of PPE, including masks, for doctors, nurses, and first
responders, experts recommend that people don’t use the limited supply of medical masks,
like surgical masks and N95 respirators, for themselves and instead leave those for health
care workers. Consider using the following: bandanas, scarves, an old t-shirt, piece of
cloth, a homemade mask, etc. Please see the additional resources below.
ASL Video Series: Easy DIY Cloth Face
Covering<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9cnxxsEKpk&list=PLvrp9iOIL…
How To Make Your Own Face Covering
Video<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4>
If you have PPE you wish to donate like N95 respirators, face shields, protective goggles,
surgical masks, or other protective equipment, visit
covid19.nj.gov/ppedonations<https://covid19.nj.gov/forms/ppedonations>ns>.
Lastly, I’d like to thank you all for working together to help flatten the curve and
protect those most vulnerable in our community. You are doing a great job, but we have to
keep it up!
Sarah Neibart
Mayor, Mendham Township