Protocol for Mask Breaks

Needham Public Schools Protocol for Mask Breaks (draft 8/31/2020)

Face masks are required at school and on the bus for all students in grades Pre-K to 12.  A minimum of two mask breaks per day should be scheduled for 10 minutes when students can maintain a distance of six feet from others for the duration of the break and will be scheduled according to building protocol. Mask breaks should take place outside whenever possible, and if held indoors, windows should be opened for the duration of the break.  

How to Take off a Face Mask (Doff)

1.     Ensure that students are at least 6 feet away from one another for the duration of the break

2.     Remove mask using the following procedure:

a.     Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer

b.     Avoid touching the front of the mask.

- If the mask has ear loops: Hold both of the ear loops and gently lift and remove the mask

- If the mask has ties: Untie the bottom first, then untie top and pull the mask away from you as the ties are loosened

- If the mask has bands:  Lift the bottom strap over the head first, then pull the top strap over the head

c.     Once removed, the mask should be carefully folded in half with the inside of the mask touching, and place the mask in a labeled paper bag, or on a clean paper towel with the inside of the mask facing up.  Another option is to store the mask as demonstrated here

d.     If the mask is soiled, dispose in trash (if disposable mask) and put on clean mask after break

e.     If cloth mask is soiled, put in a separate bag and put in backpack to bring home for laundering, put on clean cloth mask after break

f.      Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer

How to Put on a Mask (Don)

1.     Clean hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer

2.     Put on the mask using the following procedure:

- Remove mask from paper bag or paper towel, do not touch the outside (front) of the mask

- If the mask has ear loops:  hold the mask by the ear loops and place a loop around each ear

- If the mask has ties:  bring the mask to your nose level, tie the top tie first followed by the bottom tie.  Secure ties with a bow

- If the mask has bands:  Bring the mask to nose level without touching the outside (if reusing mask) and pull the top strap over your head followed by the bottom strap

- Make sure that the mask covers your mouth and chin

- Wash hands or use hand sanitizer

Reference
https://www.sfcdcp.org/communicable-disease/healthy-habits/how-to-put-on-and-remove-a-face-mask/

August 2020


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