What is the NY State guidance for cloth face coverings?

Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low-cost, and should be used as a public health measure, beyond social distancing. Individuals must procure, fashion, or otherwise obtain face coverings and wear them when they are in a public and are:

  • Within six feet of distance from other individuals
  • In a situation or setting where they are unable to maintain six feet of distance from other individuals
  • In a public or private transportation carrier or for-hire vehicle

When wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community transmission, you should:

  • Make sure that they fit snugly and cover their nose and mouth
  • Be changed frequently and laundered when they are soiled or wet
  • Not become complacent with other protective measures
  • Do not touch the cloth covering or face
  • Continue to be vigilant with thorough and frequent hand washing with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer of 60% or higher alcohol
  • Practice respiratory etiquette and cover your coughs or sneezes
  • In a situation or setting where they are unable to maintain six feet of distance from other individuals

While cloth face coverings may not prevent the wearer from becoming infected, they might help slow spread from people who have the virus and are unaware.

Show All Answers

1. Is there a travel advisory for New York State?
2. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
3. Can I get tested for COVID-19?
4. Can COVID-19 be prevented?
5. Who is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?
6. Can COVID-19 be treated?
7. Can someone who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others?
8. What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
9. What is antibody/serology testing, and can I be tested using this method?
10. Can recovered COVID-19 patients donate plasma?
11. What is the NY State guidance for cloth face coverings?
12. What is the NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidance for face coverings in the workplace?
13. What cleaning products should I use to protect against COVID-19?
14. Should I use soap and water or a hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19?
15. What temperature kills the virus that causes COVID-19?
16. Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including restaurant take out, refrigerated or frozen packaged food?