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COVID-19-General Questions

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1. If I’m a customer, employee, or operator of a business, what social distancing guidelines should I follow?

Customers

• If you are quarantined or in-home isolation do not leave your home.
• If you must leave home to access essential goods, please go at non-peak times. Retail food stores have been encouraged to maintain separate operating hours for senior citizens and other high-risk populations.
• You should wear a face covering whenever you leave your home and MUST wear one when shopping at essential retail businesses, entering a restaurant or bar to pick up takeout orders, or when traveling on public transportation.
• Keep your visit as brief as possible and go alone if possible.
• When shopping and standing in line, please keep six feet between yourself and other customers/staff.
• Please do not enter a retail facility if you have symptoms consistent with COVID19 (such as fever or a cough), have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are undergoing a quarantine for potential exposure to COVID-19.

Employees

• If you have symptoms consistent with COVID19 (such as fever or a cough), have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are undergoing a quarantine for potential exposure to COVID-19, do not report to work.
• Must use a face covering. Your employer is required to provide materials for this purpose.
• Under Executive Order 107, if your job can be performed from home, you should be performing it at home. Your employer should permit you to do so. If you believe your employer is violating Executive Order 107, please visit https://covid19.nj.gov/violation.
• Keep six feet of distance from customers and co-workers in the store.
• Please wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol based sanitizer frequently, and particularly after contact with shared public surfaces.
  
  
  

2. What are the requirements for operating businesses?

Requirements for operating businesses owners of buildings used for commercial, industrial, or other enterprises, and of residential buildings with at least 50 units, must implement the following policies at minimum:

• Clean and disinfect high-touch areas routinely in accordance with CDC guidelines, particularly in spaces accessible to staff, customers, tenants, or other individuals, particularly following a known or potential exposure;
• Maintain current cleaning procedures in all other areas of the facility;
• Ensure that the facility has a sufficient number of workers to perform the above protocols effectively.

3. What are additional requirements for bars and resturants?

Restaurants, cafeterias, food courts, bars, etc. that are still permitted to operate must adopt the following policies:

• Limit occupancy to 10% of stated maximum capacity;
• Ensure 6 feet of distance between workers and customers except at the moment of payment or exchange of goods;
• Arrange for contactless pay options, pickup, or delivery wherever possible;
• Provide hand sanitizer and wipes to staff and customers;
• Frequently sanitize high-touch areas like credit card machines, keypads, and counters;
• Require infection control practices such as regular hand washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette, and proper tissue usage;
• Place conspicuous signage at entrances and throughout the food business alerting staff and customers to the required 6 feet of distance;
• Require workers and customers to wear cloth face coverings, and require workers to wear gloves. A business must provide, at its own expense, these face coverings and gloves for employees. Customers may be exempted if it would inhibit their health, or if under two years of age. If a customer refuses, they must be denied entry, but another method of pickup should be provided.

N.J. restaurants and bars that can open up 2 walls can reopen for indoor dining

Open-air restaurant will be able to resume a limited form of indoor dining, under an order Gov. Phil Murphy signed, as the state grapples with a rise in the spread of COVID-19.  

A restaurant that can open up two sides and have at least 50% of the wall space open, then food can be served with restrictions. The loosening of restrictions was possible because having half of a building’s wall space open allows for ample air flow.

Indoor dining at traditional four-walled bars and restaurants will remain closed until the virus case numbers decrease. Outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery are still allowed.

Open-air restaurant restrictions and policies are as follows:

• Limit seating to a maximum of 8 customers per table - unless from an immediate family or the same household – and arrange seating to achieve a minimum distance of 6 feet between parties;
• Encourage reservations for greater control of customer traffic;
• Cordon off any indoor or outdoor dance floors to the public;
• Require customers to provide a phone number if making a reservation to facilitate contact tracing;
• Consider alternatives to paper/physical menus (whiteboards, electronic menus);
• Provide a hand sanitizer station for customers; and
• Require customers who wish to enter the indoor portion of the establishment to wear a face covering, unless the customer has a medical reason for not doing so or is a child under two years of age;
• Require that groups stay 6 feet apart, even in areas where groups are not assigned seating;
• Prohibit smoking in any outdoor areas designated for consumption of food and/or beverages;
• Adhere to all other health and safety protocols in DOH Executive Directive No. 20-019.
  
  

4. Are there Guidelines Regarding Outdoor Dining?

State of NJ outdoor dining information.

• ABC Temporary Permit Expansion
• NJDOH Protocols for Outdoor Dining
• Executive Order 150-Outdoor Dining

N.J. restaurants and bars that can open up 2 walls can reopen for indoor dining

Open-air restaurant will be able to resume a limited form of indoor dining, under an order Gov. Phil Murphy signed, as the state grapples with a rise in the spread of COVID-19.  

A restaurant that can open up two sides and have at least 50% of the wall space open, then food can be served with restrictions. The loosening of restrictions was possible because having half of a building’s wall space open allows for ample air flow.

Indoor dining at traditional four-walled bars and restaurants will remain closed until the virus case numbers decrease. Outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery are still allowed.

Open-air restaurant restrictions and policies are as follows:

• Limit seating to a maximum of 8 customers per table - unless from an immediate family or the same household – and arrange seating to achieve a minimum distance of 6 feet between parties;
• Encourage reservations for greater control of customer traffic;
• Cordon off any indoor or outdoor dance floors to the public;
• Require customers to provide a phone number if making a reservation to facilitate contact tracing;
• Consider alternatives to paper/physical menus (whiteboards, electronic menus);
• Provide a hand sanitizer station for customers; and
• Require customers who wish to enter the indoor portion of the establishment to wear a face covering, unless the customer has a medical reason for not doing so or is a child under two years of age;
• Require that groups stay 6 feet apart, even in areas where groups are not assigned seating;
• Prohibit smoking in any outdoor areas designated for consumption of food and/or beverages;
• Adhere to all other health and safety protocols in DOH Executive Directive No. 20-019.

5. Are there Guidelines for Swimming Pools and Public Recreational Bathing?

Guidelines for Swimming pools and public recreational bathing.

• Guidelines for Swimming Pools
• NJ Guidance for Bathing Facilities During COVID-19
• Public Recreational Bathing

6. Is there Guidance for Visiting beaches and Pools?

The places we visit to swim, play, and relax in water include beaches — swim areas in oceans, lakes, and other natural bodies of water — and pools, water playgrounds, and hot tubs. There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people through water in these places.

The virus is thought to spread mostly person-to-person, by respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. The virus might also spread to hands from a contaminated surface and then to the nose, mouth, or possibly eyes. Infected people can spread the virus whether or not they have symptoms.

Fortunately, there are several actions you can take to reduce your risk of getting or spreading the virus when you go to public swim areas, such as beaches, pools, water playgrounds, and hot tubs.

Before you go:

• Stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Check to see if the public swim area, pool, water playground, or hot tub has steps in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Bring supplies that help you and others stay healthy—for example, a cloth face covering (or two, for each person, in case one gets wet), hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, disinfectant wipes, tissues, and paper towels.

Use social distancing in and out of the water

• Whether you’re in or out of the water, stay at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.
• Avoid crowded swim areas, beaches, pools, water playgrounds, and hot tubs where you cannot stay 6 feet away from others.

Wear cloth-face coverings when you are not in the water

• Wear cloth face coverings when you are not in the water.
• Do not place a cloth face covering on children younger than 2 years of age or on anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without help.
• Face coverings are especially important when physical distancing is hard.

Wash hands often and avoid sharing items:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or drinking and when you arrive and leave the swim area. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and rub until your hands are dry.
• Hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, so wipe sand or dirt off before applying it.
• Avoid sharing items, such as food, equipment, toys, and supplies, with people who don’t live with you.
• If you are not wearing your cloth face covering, make sure to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inside of your elbow, throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands immediately, or if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

7. Are there Guidelines for Public Gatherings?

State of NJ Guidelines for Public Gatherings.

Guidelines for Public Gatherings

8. Are there specific guidelines for Public Pool, Hot tubs and water playgrounds During Covid-19?

The following links provide guidelines for aquatic venues during the COVID-19

Public Recreational Bathing/Swimming Pool FAQ

CDC guidelines on Considerations for Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds During COVID-19

9. What social distancing measures can community farmers markets and on-farm retail outlets take to protect the well-being of staff and customers?

Visit the Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station for information regarding Farm markets and safety guidelines.

Maintaining Social Distancing and Safe Food Handling Practices: Guidance for Farm Markets (Rutgers NJAES) 

10. Is there Guidance for Cleaning Rental Properties?

Download Cleaning Guidance for Rentals

Cleaning Guidance for Rental Properties

This document provides guidance on cleaning and disinfecting of properties that house guests temporarily, such as short-term rentals, hotel rooms, ect. It is vital that proper procedures are followed to ensure the protection against COVID-19 for guests and employees.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

• Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
• Disinfecting refers to using chemicals, for example, EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Please visit the link below for a list of EPA registered cleaning products.

https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Cleaning Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces

• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. Additionally, unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
• Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
• 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or
• 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
• It is crucial to disinfect highly touched areas such as knobs, light switches, handles, ect.

Soft (Porous) Surfaces

• For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floors, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
• If the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely. Otherwise, use EPA-approved products suitable for that surface.

Electronics

• Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics.
• If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.

 Linens, Clothing

• In order to minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry.
• Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry according to guidance above for hard or soft surfaces.

 Safety of Cleaning Staff

The risk of exposure to cleaning staff is inherently low. Cleaning staff should wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.

 

Additional Resources for Cleaning 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html

 

11. What are the requirements related to drivers licenses and Motor Vehicle Commision?

• All driver licenses, non-driver IDs, vehicle registrations, inspection stickers, and temporary tags expiring before May 31 have been extended to July 31. Documents expiring in June or July are extended by two months.
• In addition, the federal REAL ID requirement has been extended for another year, until October 2021.
• Most renewals of driver licenses, non-driver IDs, and registrations -- including some commercial registrations -- can be processed online at NJMVC.gov. Customers can change their address, pay fees, and access other services online as well.

NEW SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR MVC OPERATIONS

• Going forward, everyone who enters the MVC agency will be required to wear a face covering. That includes customers as well as employees. If a customer cannot wear a face covering, MVC will make other arrangements for their transaction.
• In order to limit crowds and speed services during the phased reopening, some agencies have been designated as Licensing Centers and some as Vehicle Centers. Lists of Licensing Centers and Vehicle Centers, as well as information on transactions, will be posted soon at NJMVC.gov.
• Drop-off and pick-up transactions will be processed starting June 15, but only the following:
• At designated Licensing Centers, MVC will be processing and validating permits from driving schools and high schools on a drop-off basis.
• At designated Vehicle Centers, MVC will be processing registration and title work from dealers. License plates can also be surrendered by drop-off at these agencies in a designated area.
  
  
  

12. What is Contact Tracing?

Contact tracing, a core disease control measure employed by local and state health department personnel for decades, is a key strategy for preventing further spread of COVID-19. Contact tracing is part of the process of supporting patients with suspected or confirmed infection.

In contact tracing, public health staff work with a patient to help them recall everyone with whom they have had close contact during the time frame while they may have been infectious. If you receive a call from a Health Department contact tracer the purpose is to warn the exposed individuals (contacts) of their potential exposure as rapidly and sensitively as possible. In order to stop the spread of the disease it is important to answer all contact tracer questions accurately and completely.

Contacts are provided with education, information, and support to understand their risk, what they should do to separate themselves from others who are not exposed, monitor themselves for illness, and the possibility that they could spread the infection to others even if they themselves do not feel ill. Being the contact of someone who had close contact with a COVID-19-postive person does not require testing.

For example, if you have a coworker whose family member is a confirmed case, you are not necessarily at risk. Despite coming into contact with the coworker, you did not have close contact with the person who actually has COVID-19.

Contacts are encouraged to stay home and maintain social distance from others (at least 6 feet) until 14 days after their last exposure, in case they also become ill. They should monitor themselves by checking their temperature twice daily and watching for cough or shortness of breath. To the extent possible, public health staff should check in with contacts to make sure they are self-monitoring and have not developed symptoms. Contacts who develop symptoms should promptly isolate themselves and notify public health staff. They should be promptly evaluated for infection and for the need for medical care.

“As the population of Cape May County increases in the summer months, so do the number of individuals being testing for COVID-19. Testing is available to those who need it, but it is important to know when to get tested,” said Kevin Thomas, Health Officer.

It is especially important to get tested if:

• You are an essential worker (health care worker, first responder, food service worker, or transit worker)
• You were recently in a large crowd where social distancing was hard to maintain
• You recently traveled to an area or a state with high COVID-19 infection rates
• You have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Testing negative does not make an individual exempt from continuing to take preventative measures, such as social distancing, wearing a face covering, and hand hygiene. The average incubation period of COVID-19 is 2-14 days, which is why the recommendation is to self-quarantine for 14 full days, even with a negative COVID-19 test.

13. Wha happens when a Contact Tracer Calls?

Your help is the key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and protecting your loved ones.

Contact tracers are calling with life-saving information that will keep you, your loved ones, and your community safe and healthy.

When a Cape May County contact tracer calls, it’s because you tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has – so it’s critical that you answer the phone.

How Contact Tracers Will Reach Out

Contact tracers will reach out via phone, text message, or letters dropped off at your door. Contact tracers will provide their name, agency, and a phone number.

If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of your conversation with a contact tracer, you may hang up and call your local health department. You should also feel free to request the name and ID of anyone who calls.

What a Contact Tracer Will NOT Ask:

•     A contact tracer will never ask for your social security number
•     A contact tracer will never ask for confidential financial information like your bank or credit card number.
•     A contact tracer will never ask about your immigration status and ICE will not be notified about your location.
•     The information you share will not be used for the purposes of law enforcement or immigration enforcement in any way.
•     The information you share will not negatively affect your public charge assessment or be used to deny access to health care or any other essential service.
•     Your cell phone is never tracked, a GPS location is not followed, and geolocation data is not collected or used.

If someone is requesting personal information covered above, it is likely a scam. You can report these calls online to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs or by calling 973-504-6240.

What a Contact Tracer WILL Ask

To ensure you have the care you need and the support to keep you and your family safe, you may be asked:

• To confirm your date of birth, address, or other basic information.
• Discuss any symptoms you may have had, whether you were hospitalized, or any underlying health conditions that might put you at greater risk.
• Details about your living situation so you can be informed on how to safely self-isolate or self-quarantine.
• If you are uninsured, we can give you additional information about free testing and care.
• You may also be asked about your job to determine if you are a health care worker or essential worker and therefore must comply with additional safety requirements.

If you tested positive for COVID-19:

• A contact tracer will work with you to identify your close contacts - anyone who was within six feet of you for more than 10 minutes starting two days before you first had symptoms.
• If you don’t have symptoms, we’ll ask about your activity during the two days before your diagnosis.
• We will also ask for the phone numbers of anyone you tell us about, so they can be called and cared for.

Your information is confidential. Your name will not be released to your contacts or your COVID-19 status – that information will only be known to public health officials and our local health departments.

We will encourage you to let your contacts know about your illness, and we will call your contacts to let them know they have been exposed and what steps they should take to protect themselves and their loved ones. But again, we will not tell them your name. If you are staying at home during the isolation period, the contact tracer will discuss any needs you may have and connect you with additional support should you need it.

14. What advisories are in place for entering New Jersey?

The State has issued an updated incoming travel advisory that all individuals entering New Jersey from states with a significant spread of COVID-19 should quarantine for 14-days after leaving that state.

Under the 14-day quarantine travel advisory announced by the Governors of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, individuals traveling to or returning to New Jersey from states with increasing rates of COVID-19 are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days. This includes travel by train, bus, car, plane and any other method of transportation.

The 14-day quarantine travel advisory applies to travel from certain states identified as those that have a positive COVID-19 test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or have a 10% or higher positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average ("impacted states.").

Follow this link for the current Quarantine Travel Advisory 

15. Are there Guidelines for Gyms and Fitness Centers?

Gyms and fitness centers must keep their indoor spaces closed to the public, however they are permitted to offer individualized indoor instruction by appointment only to individuals and their families, caretakers, or romantic partners.

If multiple instructions are taking place at the same time in the same facility, they must take place in separate rooms or be separated by a floor-to-ceiling barrier that complies with all fire code requirements if they take place in the same room.

Gyms and fitness centers must institute the following policies:

• Limit total capacity of any outdoor area to a number that ensures that all individuals can remain six feet apart
• Close indoor spaces to the public, except when entering or exiting the establishment to access the outdoor area or to use the restroom
• Require workers and customers to wear cloth face coverings while in the indoor portion of the premises, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health
• If a customer refuses to wear a cloth face covering for non-medical reasons, then the business must decline the individual entry into the indoor premises
• Limit occupancy in restrooms that remain open to avoid over-crowding and maintain social distancing through signage and, where practicable, the utilization of attendants to monitor capacity
• Require frequent sanitization of high-touch areas
• Limit the use of equipment rented or otherwise to one person at a time, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners, and sanitize such equipment before and after use

Require reservations, cancellations and prepayments be made via electronic or telephone reservation systems to limit physical interactions

Guidance for Employees

Gyms and fitness centers must implement safety policies for employees that include, but are not limited to:

• Require employees with symptoms of COVID-19 be sent home
• Require all employees to wear face coverings while indoors, except where doing so would inhibit the individual’s health
• Require workers to wear gloves when in contact with customers or goods
• Provide all employees with face coverings and gloves free of charge
• Provide employees break time for repeated handwashing throughout the workday
• Provide sanitization materials, such as hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes to staff

16. Can I still get married during the Covid-19 pandemic? Are wedding venues open?

Yes, so long as ceremonies and receptions comply with the limits on gatherings and other safety guidelines.

At this time, indoor wedding ceremonies may be held so long as they comply with the limits on gatherings. Weddings, funerals, memorial services, and religious and political activities protected under the First Amendment must be limited to 100 people or 25% of a room’s capacity -- whichever number is lower. All attendees at indoor gatherings must wear face coverings and stay six feet apart.

However, indoor wedding receptions may not be held and indoor wedding venues, indoor catering halls, and indoor banquet halls remain closed in New Jersey.

To save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19, wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and stay home if you are sick. Face coverings are required in indoor public spaces and in outdoor public spaces when social distancing is difficult to maintain.

17. Are wedding venues open?

WEDDING CEREMONIES AND VENUES

Outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions may be held so long as they comply with the limits on outdoor gatherings, which limits events to 500 people at one time, and social distancing must be practiced.

Unfortunately, dance floors at venues are closed due to the high-risk of spreading COVID-19 in these spaces, where many individuals may be in close contact with one another.

Indoor wedding ceremonies may be held so long as they comply with the limits on indoor gatherings, which limits events to 100 people or 25 percent of a room’s capacity, and all attendees are required to wear face coverings and stay six feet apart.

However, to save lives and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, indoor wedding receptions may not be held at this time, and indoor wedding venues, indoor catering halls, and indoor banquet halls remain closed in New Jersey along with all indoor dining.

18. Are face coverings required for staff, students, and visitors in school facilities?

Yes. District staff, students, and visitors are required to wear face coverings except under the following circumstances:

• When doing so would inhibit the individual’s health.
• When a student is in extreme heat outdoors.
• When a student is in water.
• If a student’s documented medical condition, or disability as reflected in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), precludes the use of a face covering.
• If a student is under the age of two (2), due to the risk of suffocation.
• When a student is eating or drinking.
• If or when anyone has trouble breathing or is unconscious, is incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance (e.g., face coverings should not be worn by Pre-K students during nap time).
• The student is engaged in high intensity aerobic or anaerobic activities.
• During gym and music classes when individuals are in a well-ventilated location and able to maintain a physical distance of six feet apart (see number 2 below).
• When wearing a face covering creates an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task (for example, students operating machinery in which face coverings may get caught).

19. Are students required to wear face coverings during specials/electives such as music/choir or physical education?

Face coverings may be removed during physical education or music classes, provided individuals are in a well-ventilated location and able to maintain a physical distance of six feet apart. Vigorous exercise, as well as music and choir classes in a confined space (e.g., indoors) may contribute to transmission of COVID-19 and should be limited. Consider conducting such activities in an area with greater ventilation or air exchange (e.g., outdoors). When students are not singing or playing an instrument that requires the use of their mouth, they should wear a face covering in music class (unless class is outdoors and distance can be maintained).

20. Who is responsible for supplying face coverings and other supplies to staff and students?

Face coverings may be provided by the student’s family/guardian and can be included as part of the back to school supplies list provided to families/guardians prior to the start of school year. Schools should provide extra disposable face coverings for students who need them (e.g. students who forget or misplace their face coverings) and should provide face coverings for students that are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to afford them to the greatest extent possible.

21. Who should be notified if the district cannot acquire the necessary health and safety supplies needed for reopening?

Districts should provide (in addition to normal supplies) any additional supplies/materials necessary for staff to do their jobs. For example, teaching staff, nursing staff, food service professionals, etc., should be provided with gloves, as necessary.

22. Is an enhanced level of PPE needed for school nurses and/or other staff who work more closely with students?

The Road Back (p. 25-27) advises that special consideration should be given to protect staff members, such as school nurses, custodians, and some special education teachers, paraprofessionals and services providers, who will be in close contact with students or handle waste materials. As a resource, the Department’s guidance also refers to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s memo regarding Guidance on Required Safety Supplies for Re-opening Schools, which provides additional information on the quantity and type of PPE materials for such staff members.

23. How long should a face mask be used before it is replaced?

Based on updated reopening standards from the Department of Education, all students and staff are required to wear face coverings. Cloth face coverings are different than surgical face masks (which could also be worn but which are in short supply and should generally be reserved for healthcare workers). Cloth face coverings should be washed at the end of every day (sooner if they become wet or soiled). Single use disposable face masks should be changed daily unless they become damp or soiled, in this case they should be replaced immediately.

24. Can staff and/or students wear face shields instead of face coverings?

Currently, the CDC does not recommend use of face shields as a substitute for face coverings. Therefore, they may not be used to satisfy face covering requirements. However, they may be an option for students with medical or other challenges that preclude the use of face coverings. If face shields are used without a mask, they should wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend to below the chin.