In accordance with policy HR-47, Loudoun County employees, contractors, and volunteers are required to wear face coverings at all times when working in county facilities, in county vehicles with more than one occupant, or outdoors while performing work on behalf of the county under circumstances where six feet of distance cannot be maintained.
What is the Purpose of a Face Covering?
A cloth face covering can help prevent individuals who do not know they are carrying COVID-19 from transmitting the virus to others. The cloth is intended to catch droplets from your nose and mouth that may be projected when you talk, sneeze, cough and breathe. By limiting the potential of these droplets from landing on others and on surfaces, you can reduce the spread of the coronavirus and other germs even when you are asymptomatic.
NOTE: It is important to understand that cloth face coverings do not prevent you from becoming infected with coronavirus. The best ways to protect yourself are practicing physical distancing, washing your hands and the other prevention measures prescribed by the CDC.
The consistent use of face coverings, in accordance with HR-47, will also demonstrate to the public the county’s commitment to adhering to public health best practices and recommendations and state mandates related to COVID-19.
Will the County Provide Face Coverings to Employees?
All county employees, contractors and volunteers will receive three county-issued cloth face coverings. Face coverings will be delivered to departments to distribute to employees. The use of face coverings does not replace the requirement for physical distancing and other prevention measures, such as washing hands and staying home when sick.
We specified fitness centers in the policy, as we didn’t want a loophole for people going on walks for exercise around the Government Center stairwells or other areas without their face covering.
How do I Properly Wear a Face Covering?
- Ensure the cloth face covering fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Cover your nose and mouth,
- Properly secure to your head with the original ties or loop, where applicable.
When am I Required to Wear my Face Covering?
Indoors
- At all times; unless you are alone in an enclosed work space (office or conference room) with the door closed.
- When in open work spaces, even if there are barriers such as cubicle walls and sneeze guards.
- When in offices with the door open.
- While in common areas of county buildings including, but not limited to:
- stairwells, elevators, hallways, canteens, break rooms, lobbies
- bathrooms
- conference rooms with open doors or shared with others
- county vehicles with more than one occupant
- Face coverings are not required for employees alone in an office or conference room with the door closed.
Outdoors
- When working within 6 feet of someone else.
May I remove my face covering inside County facilities if I am eating, drinking or exercising?
Yes, provided you are at least six feet from others in the vicinity while eating/drinking, or ten feet from others if you are exercising. The Governor’s Executive Order provides exceptions to the face covering requirement for eating, drinking, and exercising. Please note that the exercise exception only applies in County facilities designated as fitness centers. Read the updated HR-47 Face Coverings in the Workplace policy (PDF).
How do I Care for My Face Covering?
Employees are responsible for the proper use, care and cleaning of their face coverings. Employees must not share their county-issued cloth face coverings with any other individual, including family members.
- Cleaning - Reusable face coverings should be washed after each day of use with water and a mild detergent and dried completely in a hot dryer. Face coverings that are not washable should only be worn for one day and then discarded.
- Replacement - Employees shall regularly inspect the condition of their face coverings and request replacements through their department if face coverings become damaged (i.e. holes in the material, straps broken, etc.)
Can I Wear My Personal Face Covering?
Employees are strongly encouraged to wear county-issued cloth face coverings, which the county will make available in a variety of styles. Employees may choose to wear their own personal face covering provided it meets the following requirements
- Meet the CDC’s guidance
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Include multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Be able to be laundered and machine-dried without damage or change to shape.
- Be clean and in good condition
- Remain in place without being held by hands
- Professional, and comply with county and department level dress and appearance policies and must be free from potentially inappropriate, offensive, or political language, images, and graphics.
Get instructions on how to make your own face covering.
Can I Wear my Self-Provided Respirator?
Current CDC guidance advises that medical masks and respirators be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. Employees who are not required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (such as N95 respirators masks, medical masks, or face shields) to perform their job duties are strongly discouraged from wearing these items in the workplace or while performing official county duties.
If employees wish to wear self-provided respirators, the county strongly recommends they consult with their personal physicians to make sure they are physically able to use such respirators safely.
Disposable face masks, such as surgical and procedural masks, are intended for brief, single use purposes and should be immediately disposed of once the wearer removes the mask.
Employees are required to properly dispose of such masks immediately after use, to include throwing the mask in a trash receptacle and then thoroughly washing their hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Used disposable masks shall not be placed or disposed of anywhere on county property other than in a trash receptacle.