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1. Mask: Am I required to wear a mask or facial covering when I report to work?

Yes.  Employees are required to wear a facial covering or mask when performing City business or while on or in City property including City vehicles.  

Reference: COVID-19 Facial Covering/Mask Temporary Policy and Procedure  

2. Mask: How should my mask or facial covering fit?

According to CDC guidelines, facial covering or masks should: 

• fit snugly or comfortably against the side of the face; 

• fully cover the mouth and nostrils; 

• include multiple layers of fabric; and 

• allow for breathing without restriction. 

Check out the CDC Website for more tips on "How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings"

3. Mask: When are the times I don't have to wear a mask while working?

These are the few exceptions to when a mask or facial covering doesn’t need to be worn while working:

• When following the appropriate procedures to take a facial covering or mask on and off for the purpose of eating or drinking while being able to maintain 6-feet social distance from other individuals.

• When working alone in an office. 

• While driving alone in a vehicle. 

• While working outside alone and while being able to maintain 6-feet social distance from other individuals. 

• For medical reasons, as an accommodation under the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) that has been granted in accordance with City policy. If an employee needs an ADA accommodation they should contact the Human Resources Department. 

• While communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing who relies on language cues as part of communication, provided all individuals maintain 6-feet social distancing. 

• In specific circumstances where a supervisor has determined that it is unsafe for an employee to continue wearing a mask provided the employee is able to maintain 6-feet social distancing. The supervisor must report the circumstance to the Safety Manager. 

• For other operational-related reasons specific to providing services or work required of the employee’s position as provided in department-specific protocols or public health recommendations. 

Even with a facial covering or mask, employees should maintain social distancing of 6-feet or more outside of short and incidental contact such as passing each other in the hallway.

Reference: COVID-19 Facial Covering/Mask Temporary Policy and Procedure 

4. Mask: When and How do I clean my facial covering or mask?

Facial coverings and masks should be cleaned at least daily. Cloth facial coverings or masks should be laundered. Surgical masks should be cleaned in accordance with public health guidelines and recommendations. Employees are responsible for cleaning their own facial covering or mask. Facial coverings and masks should be dry before each use. 

If a facial covering or mask must be re-worn before cleaning, the employee should wash their hands or at least utilize hand sanitizer immediately after putting the facial covering or mask back on and should avoid touching their face. 

Check out the CDC website on How to Wash Cloth Face Coverings 

5. Mask: Where do I get a mask?

All employees have been provided a cloth face covering.  If you need a mask or face covering, please contact your supervisor for one.  

6. Mask: Can I make or purchase my own mask or face covering?

Employees are allowed and encouraged to make, procure, and/or wear their own facial coverings or masks, as long as it complies with the policy. Self-made or procured coverings must comply with any City professional workplace standards and must follow the CDC’s guidelines. Check out the CDC website for “how to” guidelines on making your own mask.

7. Mask: Where do I dispose of a used or damaged mask/facial covering?

Damaged facial coverings or masks should be removed from service. This includes any facial coverings or masks that: 

• no longer covers the nose and mouth; 

• have stretched or damaged ties or straps; 

• cannot stay on the employee’s face; and/or 

• have holes or tears in the fabric. 

Used/damaged facial coverings or masks must be discarded directly into the trash outside a City building or into a designated used/damaged mask receptacle if one is provided. For questions about where to discard a mask, ask your supervisor. 

8. SYMPTOMS: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever (over 100.4)
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

9. SYMPTOMS: What should I do if I show symptoms of COVID-19?

If an employee is showing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath), the employee should immediately inform their manager that they need to leave the workplace. The employee and/or manager should also notify Human Resources by emailing hrhelpdesk@bothellwa.gov.

The employee should immediately contact their health care provider AND the Coronavirus call center for the county they live in to get public health guidance on next steps. King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 206-477-3977; Snohomish Heath District 1-800-525-0127

The employee should immediately begin at-home isolation, and next steps should be made in accordance with guidance from their county health district and the employee’s health care provider.

The employee should remain under at-home isolation for 72 hours after their symptoms resolve before returning to work.