Masks and Gloves FAQ

Do I have to wear a face mask/covering? 
Yes, staff will be required to wear masks when moving around the building and in shared spaces. Supervisors are working on specific protocols for shared spaces within their departments and will provide more details to their staff. If you cannot wear a mask or for have any other confidential COVID-19 health related concerns, please contact HR.

Is FCPL providing face masks/covering?
Yes. We currently have approximately 1 month’s worth of masks on hand with 2,000 more arriving on May 6.

Can I use my own face covering?
Yes.  There isn’t a particular style or fabric that is required, but all masks must cover both the nose and the mouth.

What is the proper way to wear a face mask/covering? 
According to CDC guidelines, cloth face coverings should:

• 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
• if not using a disposable mask, the face covering must be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

The link above also provides directions for making your own, if you are feeling crafty! 

Here is a video recommended by Forsyth County Emergency Management on how to properly wear a face mask.

Do I have to wear gloves? 
There are lots of articles and opinions about the effectiveness of wearing gloves. The only consensus I have found is that if you do decide to wear them, you need to wear and dispose of them properly AND hand washing is still essential. It is also suggested that staff handling non-quarantined materials wear gloves while handling those materials, again making sure to follow recommended guidelines:

• Always wash your hands before and after wearing gloves.
• Clean any surface you might have touched with your gloves on, such as your phone, keys, wallet, eyewear or door handles. 
• Throw away used disposable gloves, and wash fabric gloves with soap and water before using them again.
• Be careful to avoid contamination when taking gloves off.
• Again, even with gloves on, don’t touch your face, especially your nose or mouth.
• Follow CDC guidelines for the removal of gloves.

Watch this video for an informative and entertaining demonstration of how cross contamination works even while wearing gloves.

Is FCPL providing gloves?
Yes. We have 2,000 medium and extra-large nitrile medical grade gloves (non-latex, non-allergenic) on hand with 2,000 large gloves on order. We did not order small gloves because none of the branches ever request size small when we place routine orders. Please let me know if we need to order size small.

What about non staff members in the building?

• Patrons are not an issue yet, as curbside service is contact-free. We will provide updated guidelines as we move closer to the next phase, basing those guidelines on the most current recommendations at that time.
• Vendors and contractors should be wearing masks while in FCPL buildings.
• We cannot require delivery personnel from other companies to comply with our regulations. Most delivery services have already put contact-free delivery protocols in place, so we think this will not be an issue. We will post signs in loading docks and delivery areas to encourage them to use masks but cannot enforce compliance.
• For the health and safety of staff, no staff members should have visitors in the buildings.

Please share a comment below or contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.