Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a new Executive Order requiring everyone who is over the age of 2 to cover their nose and mouth with a cloth face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain social distance. The Executive Order is set to take effect at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
New scientific evidence has shown an increase in community transmission of COVID-19. As a result, public health recommendations have been updated to reduce the spread of the virus in a public setting. The Madison County Health Department agrees that this mandate is an effective way to not only protect yourself, but others. A cloth face covering will help keep people who have the virus from spreading it, even if they do not know they are infected.
Madison Count Department of Health will be recommending to essential businesses that individuals should be denied entry into their establishments if they do not have a face covering. The Governor’s order leaves enforcement to the local authorities. The County will work with local law enforcement and Health Department regulatory staff to address enforcement issues that arise. If you would like to report any issues please call the Madison County non-medical COVID-19 Hotline 315-366-2770.
The face covering does not have to be a surgical mask or an N95; those should be reserved for people in our healthcare services, as well as first responders. A cloth face covering is sufficient. This can be a scarf, bandana, or a mask made from a t-shirt over your nose and mouth. The face covering should not be a replacement for social distancing. Directions on how to make and wash the recommended cloth face coverings are available on the Madison County COVID-19 website.
Madison County currently does not have the ability to provide every resident with a cloth face covering. Our limited supply of surgical and N95 masks are distributed to health department staff who have direct patient contact, first responders, and health care providers. We are asking that our residents be resourceful by making their own cloth face coverings. Residents can also make cloth face coverings that can be donated or sold to others in our community.
Cloth face coverings should NOT be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help.
Cloth face coverings should be routinely washed in a washing machine, if possible. When removing your face covering, be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands immediately after removing.
As a reminder, Madison County is asking residents to not go out in public unless they have to. If you need to shop for essentials or go to the park, please limit your outings to the following days:
Odd Birth Year: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and April 12
Even Birth Year: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and April 19
For more information, please visit madisoncounty.ny.gov or call the Madison County non-medical COVID-19 Hotline at 315-366-2770.
