Impacted Services

Child Development Center / School Age Services

Parent Care Services Open Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning on Jul 20, 2020

Patrons can contact Parent Central Services at 301-677-1149 for further information.


School Age Center 1 Open Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 301-677-1245


Child Development Center 3 Open Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 301-677-1530


School Age Center 2 Open Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. tentative Aug 3, 2020 301-677-1437


Child Development Center 1 Open Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. tentative Aug 3, 2020 301-677-5201


Family Child Care Open Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. tentative Aug 3, 2020 301-677-1378


Child Development Center 4 Open Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. tentative Aug 3, 2020 301-677-9438


Child Development Center Home Open Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. tentative Aug 3, 2020 301-677-9438


Youth Center Open Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. tentative Aug 3, 2020 301-677-6054

Commissary

Open 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. (for elderly, disabled, pregnant)

Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (including weekends)

Open Federal Holidays 9 a.m. to 5

Changes to policy (applies to PX and DoD lodging)

Facemask Optional

Post Exchange (PX)

PX Mon - Sat 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Sunday)

Food court open to 50% capacity.

Meade Express Mon - Sat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gas pumps are open 24/7

NSA Express 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Monday through Friday) and closed weekends

Fort Meade Gate 32 Express & Gas (Mapes Rd)

Mon-Fri: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mon- Fri: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat & Sun: Closed

Mon - Fri: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat & Sun: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fort Meade Arby's

Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Subway (NSA)

Mon- Fri: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat & Sun: Closed

Burger King

Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat & Sun: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fort Meade Dunkin' Donuts

Mon-Fri: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat & Sun: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mon- Fri: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat & Sun: Closed

Panda Express

Mon - Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Boston Market

Mon - Fri 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PX Subway

Mon - Sat 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Qdoba

Mon - Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pokemoto

Mon - Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Charlie's

Mon - Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Starbucks

Mon - Sat 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Patriot Tactical Shop

Mon - Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

GameStop

Mon - Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Food Delivery Options

Here is a list of food establishments that deliver on post:

Angelico's Pizza

Angelina's

Cluck U Chicken

China Sea

Deno's Pizza

Dominos

Edible Arrangements

Hungry Harvest

Hong Kong Gourmet

Jimmy Johns

Kuki

Mama Roma

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Pomodoro Pizza

Pizza Hut

Papa Johns

Uber Eats: unless pre-vetted will need to be during VCC hours

Door Dash: unless pre-vetted will need to be during VCC hours

Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

KACC open Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone number is 301-677-8741

Public Health Nurse Covid-19 monitoring line open Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Phone number is 301-677-8435

After hours MHS Nurse Advice Line open Mon - Fri 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., Sat - Sun 24/7

Phone number is 1 800-874-2273

KACC PX and main pharmacy curb-side pickup only hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone number is 301-677-8611/8302 for both PX and KACC Main Pharmacy.

VA Outpatient Clinic

The VA Outpatient Clinic at Fort Meade will temporarily close due to COVID-19 as of March 30, 2020. For more information, visitwww.maryland.va.gov/COVID-19.asp.

McGill Training Center

Currently McGill Training Center and the facilities they manage (Post Theater, Parade Field, Smallwood Hall, Donahue Field ACFT testing site, & the Pershing Conference room) are available for booking with the following caveats:

*All personnel will follow the current CDC guidance on social distancing and PPE

*Units are required to clean any space before and after use IAW CDC guidelines using provided supplies

*Gatherings of 50 or more personnel are prohibited without Garrison Commander approval. Units who would like to hold an event with more than 50 people will need to submit a CONOP with COVID mitigation methods NLT 30 days prior for approval to the DPTMS Training Division: usarmy.meade.usag.mbx.dptms-training-division@mail.mil

Army Community Services

All services available virtually Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Face to face appointment available upon request.

Forall ACS services inquiries, please contact the main line at 301-677-5590 or email at usarmy.meade.usag.mbx.acs@mail.mil

Request for AER assistance will be conducted remotely, via email correspondence through usarmy.meade.usag.mbx.acs@mail.mil. We will continue to process AER request for assistance through coordination with AER HQ to utilize Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT). After operational hours and weekends Red Cross will assist, 1-877-272-7337.

Financial counseling is available by contacting our local ACS Certified Financial Counselors at 240-278-4447 or 410-618-7980. Additionally, Military OneSource is available for telephonic financial counseling, 800-342-9647.

The Volunteer Luncheon will be rescheduled. Pending CDR approval, it has been tentatively rescheduled for Thursday, 13 August 2020 date - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Club Meade.

Effective immediately, Families have been instructed to dial in for EFMP meetings. Employees have been directed to work remotely, but can still accomplish required meeting via teleconference calls.


Victim Advocacy services are still available 24 hours, 7 days a week; via the help line 240-688-6918. Our staff are on call; Victim Advocates are still responding daily to new referrals and existing clients. No face to face activities are being offered at this time.

In addition, New Parent Support Program staff are still responding to new referrals and existing clients telephonically. No face to face activities are being offered at this time.

Military Family Life Counselors are currently responding to existing clients on a daily basis and are sending new clients to Military OneSource while waiting for approval from OSD to provide virtual counseling

Reece Visitor Control Center (VCC)

VCC hours are: Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 3:30pm.

Walk-in service for passes and badges. Electronic submission of FGGM Form 191 encouraged w/badge pickup by appt and group issuance to POCs. 1-Day pass processed at Vehicle Inspection facility.

For access badge submit Ft Meade form 191 by email to the following:

Brandy.j.cohen.civ@mail.mil

Claire.paddy.civ@mail.mil

Kevin.l.davenport14.civ@mail.mil

New badges picked up by appointment (Call to make appt) 301-677-1064

Out Processing Open by phone 301-677-1064, option 0

Weapons Registration Open by phone 301-677-1064, option 0

Police Records Department Open Tues - Wed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 301-677-6622/6623

Dentals Services

All Dental services will be conducted at Dental Clinic #3.

Epes Dental Clinic will be closed until further notice.

ID/CAC Section

ID Cards Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. appointment only, 1 person only 301-677-3342


Publications Mon - Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual

301-677-6571


FOIA Mon - Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual

301-677-6571


For the safety of our dedicated ID Card Department employees please wear a face mask to protect against the spread of Covid-19, thank you.

The ID Card Department is equally committed to the safety of our personnel and beneficiaries, including retirees and other high-risk populations. This includes ensuring continued access to healthcare and other benefits during this time of increasing precaution and restrictions in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). To ensure DoD ID card offices are postured to maintain continuity of operations, and to minimize the number of non-essential required visits to DoD ID card offices, the following guidance is in effect through August 01, 2020:

Services Available:

Common Access Cards (CAC)

- CAC transactions shall be limited to initial issuance or reissuance of an expiring CAC within 30 days of expiration.

- CACs shall not be reissued due to printed information changes (e.g., promotions, name changes).

- The policy memorandum, allowing transferring DoD civilian employees to retain their CAC, will be reissued.


Uniformed Services ID Cards (USID)

- If a cardholder's affiliation is unchanged, USID cards which expired on or after January 1, 2020, are authorized for continued benefit use through August 31, 2020.

- Termination of cardholder affiliation with the DoD or termination of benefit eligibility shall be verified electronically prior to confiscating an expired USID card with an expiration date on or after January1, 2020.

- Remote family member enrollment/eligibility updates are authorized.

- The minimum age for initial USID card issuance is increased from 10 to 14 years.

- Continued use of the Reserve USID card to obtain activeduty benefits is authorized for mobilized Reservists and their eligible dependents.

- PIN Resets.

- Replace lost CAC or ID Cards.

Additional information on CAC and USID card issuance and renewal changes is available at www.CAC.mil/coronavirus.


For questions and appointments call 301-677-3342, and 301-677-2674

Dining Facility

TheDFAC is open for Dine-in (Service Members only). Carry out plates for Civilians until furthernotice.

Transportation Management Office (TMO/HHG)

TMO/HHG are accepting hand-carried documents. Documents canalso be e-mailed to the customer:usarmy.meade.406-afsb-lrc.mbx.personal-property-group-box@mail.mil or theCounseling Office point of contact: allan.a.grant.civ@mail.mil.For household goods (HHG) inquiries, please call: 301-677-9639/9637/9638.

The TMO/HHG office is open for walk-in customers during thehours of 0730-1600hrs, Mon-Fri.. For household goods (HHG) inquiries, please call: 301-677-9639/9637/9638

Retirement/Transition Services

Retirement Services Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual

301-677-9603/9434/9600


Call 301-677-9603 or email gavin.c.johnson.civ@mail.mil . If needed a one-on-one appointment will be given. All existing appointments will be honored.

Soldier For Life/Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP)

Shifting all services to telephone & on-line. Call 301-677-9871 for further instruction. All SFL-TAP seminars through April have been cancelled.

Orders and In/Out Processing

Information will be forwarded to S1 as received. S1's should call 301-677-4749 for assistance All service members be in processed one-on-one.

Official Travel Office

The Official Travel Office is accepting hand-carrieddocuments. Documents can also be e-mailed to the following point of contact:Rhonda Whitaker, rhonda.s.whitaker.ctr@mail.

For inquiries on Official Travel please call:301-677-9685/9688.

The Travel office is open forwalk-in customers during the hours of 0730-1600hrs, Mon-Fri.

Religious Support Services

Virtual Worship Service and Religious Education offerings see link: https://www.facebook.com/george.meade.92775

Virtual Counseling contact (301) 677-6703/6035


The following Religious Support Office Service Support Programs (SSP) are SUSPENDED until further notice:

-All Worship Services, Fellowships, Monthly Garrison Prayer Breakfast, Weddings, Memorial Ceremonies

-Religious Education: i.e. Bible Study, CCD, Sunday School, PWOC, CWOC, Youth activities, Watch care

-Soldier and Family Ministries: i.e. RSO sponsored Strong Bonds Training Events - Married and Single Service member; Chaplain Family Life Center operations; Training: i.e. Monthly Religious Support Team Training

-The following Religious Support Office Service Support Programs WILL CONTNUE albeit primarily virtually (i.e. phone, VTC, facetime, etc.)In-person sessions will be on a case by case basis.

-Advise Command - Provided to unit by the respective unit chaplain

-Provide Pastoral Care and Counseling - Support to units will be provided by the respective unit chaplain. Units or personnel without an assigned Chaplain will contact the Garrison RSO for support at 301- 677-6703/6035.

SHARP

In accordance with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and IMCOM guidance. Fort Meade is taking all precautionary measure to limit mass gatherings. For the health and well-being of our community, effective immediately all Army in-person Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month activities have been canceled.

GYMs

Gaffney Fitness Center

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., 11:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Policies and Procedures

Masks/face coverings required to enter facility

Active Duty Service members only

1 hour time limit

120 customer max capacity at any given time

Customers will be given color coded stickers and must keep them on. (Different colors are issued every 15 minutes to track the hour time limit)

Showers, locker room, pool and Saunas are closed

Restrooms in the front lobby available

Every other cardio machine will be off limits to create social distancing

While on Cardio machines (masks/face coverings not mandatory)

mandatory)

Masks/face covering required while walking in and out of facility

Drinking fountain closed, but bottle fill up stations are available

Navy Federal

We have incorporated Social Distancing - The branch will not have a line at any point. That means there will be a limited amount of members allowed inside at any given time. It is based on the number of team members available. The doors are manned by a staff member. Members will wait outside or in their cars until space is available. We will get them when they can come in.

We are requesting all members at the branch to use the Hand Sanitizer provided prior to entering the branch.

Ropes have been placed in front of teller stations to distance people at least 6 feet from representatives

Changes in hours at most locations will most likely be impacted next as many branches will have a significant decrease in staffing due to schools, adult care closures and the care of themselves or family members. This is updated daily on the Navy Federal website. www.navyfederal.org

Legal Assistance

Open Mon - Fri 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. byappointment only - NO walk-in Services.

Providing Attorney consultations via telephone byappointment ONLY.

Notarization of documents and/or powers of attorney byappointment ONLY.

Priority provided to imminently deploying personnel.

To request an appointment for attorneyconsultation or notarizations, please call 301-677-9536/9504

Tax Center

Closed until further notice.

Installation Housing Office

Open with Remote Operations

debra.e.faux.civ@mail.mil

aimee.n.stafford.civ@mail.mil

caryn.bethel-washington.civ@mail.mil

allan.h.floyd.mil@mail.mil

Corvias Leasing Office Mon - Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat - Sun Closed 401-305-1258

Corvias Maintenance Open 24/7 844-346-1490

Meuse Forest Neighborhood Office Mon - Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat - Sun Closed 410-672-2475

Midway Common Neighborhood Office Mon - Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat - Sun Closed 410-672-2301

Potomac Place/Patriot Ridge Office Mon - Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat - Sun Closed 410-677-2981

Reece Crossing Apartments Mon - Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat - Sun Closed 410-677-4076

Army Education Center

Education Center Open Mon - Fri 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Virtual

301-677-6421/5415

Post Library

Medal of Honor Library:

23 June 2020

13 July

Hours of Operation

Tuesday-Friday 1100-1730

Policies and Procedures

Maximum Capacity: 15 patrons

ID required/along with valid phone number should contract tracing be necessary

Masks/face coverings must be worn inside facility

All accompanying individuals must stay outside, only one individual per household permitted

Children accompanying adults will not be permitted

All Library materials will be checked in using the book drop only

Library stacks are closed to patrons (online catalog available for selection and use of hold system encouraged

Library staff will retrieve all materials off the shelf

The Library will not accept donated items

The ‘free shelf” is not available during this time

Newcomers Orientation

Cancelled

Club Meade

Closed until further notice.

Arts & Crafts Center

Arts & Crafts Center

Hours of Operation

Framing, Monday-Friday, 9a.m.-5p.m. appointment only

Engraving, Tuesday – Friday, 9a.m.-5p.m. appointment only

Graphic Design, Friday, 8a.m.-4p.m. appointment only

To reduce traffic and practice social distancing, framing, engraving and graphic design projects may be ordered by appointment only. Call 301-677-7809.

Framing appointments

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Thursday, 1-4 p.m.

One customer per appointment.

Please allow approximately 2-4 weeks for completion.

Engraving appointments

Tuesday, 8 – Noon

Thursday, 8 – Noon

One customer per appointment.

Please allow approximately two weeks for completion.

If you know what you want and have ordered with us previously, send your order to ac_meade@yahoo.com

Graphic Design, Friday, 9-5, by appointment only

Front Porch Pick-up – Framing & Engraving

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Call 301-677-7809 when you arrive. We’ll deliver to you on the front porch.

Policies and Procedures

Masks/face coverings are required for entrance to the building.

Hand sanitizer is available for use and recommended.

Credit card payments by phone at the time of order or prior to pick up.

No Do-It-Yourself framing, Pick-It-and-Paint-It, or classes until further notice.

Automotive Skills Center

Auto Skills Center

Hours of Operation

While You Wait Wednesday

Wednesday, 10a.m.-5p.m.

Do-It-Yourself Auto Repair

Thursday & Friday, Noon-8p.m.

Saturday, 9a.m.-5p.m.

Sunday, 10a.m.-3p.m.

To reduce traffic and practice social distancing, the following policies are in effect until further notice:

While You Wait Wednesday

By appointment only, 301-677-5542

One customer per appointment.

Customer waits in the waiting room, not in the bays.

Do-It-Yourself Auto Repair

One customer per bay.

Every other bay is open. No flat bays available.

Waiting list: Place your name and telephone number on the waiting list and wait in your car until you are called.

Before checking out, customer will use provided wipes or disinfectant cleaning product to clean all touch points including lift lever, tools, tool chest. Tools checked out from tool room must be cleaned before return.

Safety Orientation Class

Maximum class size: 4, first come, first served

Thursday, 12:30 & 6:30

Policies and Procedures

Mask/face coverings are required at all times.

Anti-bacterial hand soap and hand sanitizer is available.

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation, Check It Out

23 June 2020

6 July

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday, 0900-1700

Policies and Procedures

Employees and Customers will wear a face masks while inside the facility

Customers can pre-pay and reserve equipment for check out items over the phone

Some equipment will not be offered due to inability to sanitize it to CDC requirements

Check with facility on availability of rental items


Outdoor Recreation-Burba Park Playgrounds

23 June 2020

13 July (playgrounds in park only)

Hours of Operation

7 days a week, 0800-2000

Policies and Procedures

Limit occupancy in each park to 10 customers

Customers will practice good social distancing by keeping 6’ apart

Customers will self-police social distancing policy

Community Playgrounds

Closed until further notice.

Burba Park

Open Mon - Sun 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Limit groups to no more than 10

RV Park

Open.

Veterinary Treatment Facility

Family Pet Care

23 June 2020

Hours of Operation

Doggie Day Care Monday-Friday, 0700-1800

Boarding: Monday-Friday, 0700-1800

Policies and Procedures

Customers will hand off dogs to staff in the parking lot

Staff will sign dog in and take payments over the phone

Staff will wear masks and wear gloves when handling dog’s leashes

Light foot traffic is permitted, customers required to wear a facemask

Customer brought bedding and chew toys will not be permitted, facility bedding will be used

Specialty orthopedic bedding will be the exception

Customers will practice good social distancing by keeping 6’ apart

USO

Closed until further notice.

The USO is still working to deliver meals from local restaurants once a week/every other week to various tenant units around the installation, including the National Security Administration. We are also working on a way to modify our programs for a Grab & Go format.

For information, email USO Center Supervisor Brittany Freshwater at bfreshwater@usometro.org.

You can visit http://facebook.com/MeadeUSO

The LANES at Fort Meade

The Lanes Pro Shop

Hours of Operation

Pro Shop

Policies and Procedures

To reduce traffic and practice social distancing, Bowling ball drilling, maintenance and repairs may be placed by appointment only. Call 301-677-4996.

Orders will be placed over phone or via e-mail

Light foot traffic will be permitted for cash paying customers, all other payments will be done over the phone

Masks/face coverings are required for employees and customers while inside the facility

Customers will practice good social distancing by keeping 6’ apart

The Lanes Pin Deck Cafe

Hours of Operation

Pin Deck Cafe

Policies and Procedures

To Go/ Curb Side Pick-up Order and payment available over phone- 301-677-4996

Outside dining available

Light foot traffic will be permitted for cash paying customers, all other payments will be done over the phone

Masks/face coverings are required for employees and customers while inside the facility

Post Movie Theater

Closed until further notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity Office

Open Mon - Fri 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact:

usarmy.meade.usag.mbx.eeooffice@mail.mil

(301) 677-6298

Job Fair

Cancelled

Leisure Travel Office

Leisure Travel Services

Hours of Operation

Tuesday-Friday, 11a.m. - 3p.m.

Telephone Orders

Front Porch Pick-up

To pick up your tickets, please come by Tuesday - Friday, being sure to bring a valid ID. Please do not come into the building. You may call us from the front door at 301-677-7238 and let us know you are here. We will deliver your tickets to you on the front door and check your ID.

Walk-in Ticket Sales

Tuesday – Friday, 11a.m. - 3p.m.

Only one person in the building per order.

Only five customers in line at one time.

Please wait outside for the next available place in line.

Policies and Procedures

Masks/face coverings are required for entrance to the building.

Hand sanitizer is available for use and recommended.

Credit card payments by phone at the time of phone order.

100% ID card check.

(Scroll down for COVID-19 prevention guidelines from the CDC and links to other agencies)

Defense Information School

For up-to-date DINFOS infoormation visit: https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Coronavirus/

 

Prevention & Treatment (CDC)

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.

How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering

Side view of an individual wearing a cloth face covering, which conceals their mouth and nose areas and has a string looped behind the visible ear to hold the covering in place. The top of the covering is positioned just below the eyes and the bottom extends down to cover the chin. The visible side of the covering extends to cover approximately half of the individual’s cheek.

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
  • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Frontal view of an individual wearing a cloth face covering. Individual is using two fingers to point to either side of the top of the nose, indicating that the covering fits well in this area.

Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?

Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?

A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.

How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?

Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

 

How COVID-19  Spreads According to the CDC

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
  • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Department of Defense

U.S. Army Coronavirus Information

Centers for Disease Control Information

Office of Personnel Management Frequently Asked Questions

Maryland Department of Health

World Health Organization Advice for the Public

Anne Arundel County Public Schools Frequently Asked Questions