Face masks continue to be a must for safety; Wear them correctly

Veterans Memorial Hospital still encourages the continued use of face masks in the community, but urges all to wear them appropriately. Masks are extremely effective against the COVID-19 virus, but must be worn correctly to ward off the virus.

The following instructions from Johns Hopkins Medical Center give simple, effective rules for mask use.  First, hands must be cleaned just prior to putting on the mask, making sure to touch only the sides or bands of the mask with the hands - the front of a mask should never be touched. Hands should always be cleaned again after removing a mask. Masks must always cover both the mouth and the nose and fit under the chin.  Reusable masks must be laundered after each use in hot water and dried in a hot dryer.  Disposable masks should be thrown when they are visibly dirty or damaged.  Masks should also never be shared with another person.  Masks should be worn whenever around others in public places away from home.

For additional information and graphics on proper mask use, visit these John Hopkins Medical sites:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavir...
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavir....

Veterans Memorial Hospital as well as Waukon Economic Development, Lansing City Clerk Office, Postville City Clerk Office and the Monona Chamber of Commerce are all still accepting homemade masks which are very effective in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Masks can be dropped off at the following locations:

· Waukon Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Office (place in tote at front door between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  M-F)
· Lansing City Office (place in tote at front door between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. M-F)
· Postville City Office (Place in tote in front of police station door anytime)
· Monona Chamber of Commerce (place in drop off slot in front door anytime).

Be sure to put any homemade masks in a bag and leave at one of these locations. Also mark the bag if it contains child-size masks.

Masks may also be dropped off at the main entrance to Veterans Memorial Hospital. For more information, call Erin Berns at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 Ext. 443.