Last Friday, the CDC stated that it recommends everyone use a face mask when outside their house. Wearing a mask helps reduce the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus by limiting the number of molecules that are transported by air. This is most important when a person is infected but is not yet showing symptoms of the virus – they don’t know that they are sick and contagious and may be unwittingly spreading the virus with casual contact. While a mask does not provide 100% protection, it greatly enhances your safety.
As you’ve heard, manufactured masks are in very short supply. Surgical masks are being reserved for health care workers and other first responders due to the critical shortage. We have ordered reusable fabric masks for each of our team members from a local garment manufacturer in Austin, Texas. They should start being available by the end of this week and we will be sending them out to you. In the meantime, you should make your own mask for your personal use. Over the last few days we have sent out instructions on how you can make your own fabric mask (there are sewing and non-sewing versions in yesterday’s StrasGlobal monthly newsletter).
You are to wear your mask at all times while on duty (and, preferably, when you are outside your house). You do not know if your fellow team member, or you, is contagious. Follow the CDC procedures for putting the mask on, taking it off, and cleaning your mask. Most importantly, continue to wash your hands, don’t touch your face, keep social distancing (with everyone), and clean all of your work surfaces.
Our number one concern is your health and safety.
Roy Strasburger
President, StrasGlobal
Email: strangetimes@strasglobal.com