You’ve probably seen different kinds of face coverings around town, from medical masks and cloth masks, to plastic face shields and neck gaiters. Here are the pros and cons of some of the most popular face coverings.
What Makes An Effective Mask?
The CDC recommends a well-fitted face mask for everyday use because there is evidence these types of masks reduce the spread of COVID-19. Other face coverings have not been proven to reduce spread, and in some cases, can increase risk to others.
We know from multiple studies of mask effectiveness for preventing respiratory droplet spread that masks tend to be most effective when they:
Fit without gaps around the nose and mouth
Are made of multiple layers of material
Are made of thicker materials with a tighter weave
Are made of a blend of cotton and another material
Don't Forget About Other Preventative Health Measures
This start of the school year and the approaching flu season bring with them new challenges in the COVID-19 public health emergency. Public Health is encouraging everyone to get a flu vaccination when it’s available. We need to make sure the combination of flu and COVID-19 cases don’t overwhelm our hospitals.
In addition, parents should ensure their kids are up-to-date on childhood vaccinations. While there’s no vaccine for COVID-19 yet, there are many other vaccine-preventable diseases. See the immunization schedule here, then talk to your health care provider to schedule a visit. If your provider cannot see your child or your child does not have a provider, you can schedule an appointment at the Maricopa County Public Health Immunizations Clinic.
The Most Important Factors for Schools to Consider This Semester
The two key components to reopening school buildings for in-person instruction are the quality of the school’s mitigation plan, and the level of spread occurring within the community where the school is located. There is still substantial community spread across much of Maricopa County.
Public Health is working with schools to provide resources that will enable them to make informed decisions about fall classes and what to do in the event of a positive COVID-19 test on campus.
What is "Percent Positivity" and Why Does it Matter?
You have likely heard a lot about “percent positivity,” or the percentage of total COVID-19 tests that come back positive. At the peak of cases in late June/early July, Maricopa County had a positivity rate above 20%. Currently, it is 15% for the county. Arizona Department of Health Services had set a benchmark recommendation of 7% positivity or below for schools to begin bringing students back to campus in a hybrid model of distance and in-person learning.
Correctional Health staff work to provide medical, dental, and mental health services to everyone in the county jail system. Correctional Health is taking extra preventative measures to protect inmates from COVID-19. Get updates using Correctional Health’s data dashboard.
Make your voice count and help your community return stronger. Participate in the 2020 Census so Arizona receives its fair share of federal funding for infrastructure, emergency response, and community services.
All information requests related to Maricopa County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be directed to the Joint Information Center using the email address caomedia@maricopa.gov.
If this email was forwarded to you, and you'd like to get weekly updates, you can subscribe here.