Tips on Selecting and Wearing Non-Medical Face Masks

In many locations across the country, non-medical face masks or other face coverings are now required to be worn in public when it is not possible to maintain social distancing, such as when shopping at a grocery store.

Wearing masks is encouraged to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, but is not a substitute for social distancing, frequent hand washing, and other public health measures. CWA expects employers to provide N95 masks and other personal protective equipment in workplaces where members may be exposed to COVID-19.

CWA's Health and Safety Department has compiled information to help you understand the different kinds of masks that are available and what to look for when choosing a non-medical face mask. You can find information about masks and other resources to address common questions and concerns that CWA members have about the COVID-19 pandemic on the COVID-19 resource page at https://cwa-union.org/covid-19.

Your local leadership will have the most up-to-date information on policies in place at your work location to address the COVID-19 pandemic and what action you should take if you believe you are being asked to work under unsafe conditions.

Remember, if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms consistent with infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately and follow reporting procedures established by your employer. Also notify your CWA Local or District as soon as possible.