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Social distancing - maintain at least 6 feet of separation from others - when possible. This is the safe distance for conversations and any interaction.

• Wear a mask or face covering at all times on campus. The only exception is when you are in an office alone, with the door closed.
• When time clocking in or out, or in the locker or break room - maintain 6 feet from your coworker in front and behind.
• Shift an in-person meeting to a phone or conference call.
• Practice essential prevention hygiene: frequent handwashing, cough/sneeze into your elbow or a tissue (throw away); frequently sanitize high-touch surfaces including touchscreens; avoid touching your face with unwashed hands; wave/elbow bump instead of shaking hands; do not share food or drink. Stay home if you are sick.

Keep activities limited to your immediate family or those closest to you.  Postpone social gatherings or even “drop by” visits.  Avoid crowded places. Do not enter crowded grocery stores, wait outside for others to leave before entering. Maintain at least 6 feet on either side of the check-out line.  If an elevator is crowded, wait for the next one or take the stairs if you are able.  In general, even if you are not feeling sick, stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing.

• Stay home. If you are faculty or staff, contact Human Resources. If you are a student, contact Student Affairs. If you are comfortable doing so, you may also contact supervisors.
• If symptoms are mild, you do not need to seek medical care. If you are a member of a higher risk group or your symptoms are severe, such as difficulty breathing, contact/call your primary care provider (PCP). Many providers have a virtual care platform, telehealth or telemedicine, so that a patient can meet with a provider by video or telephone. Avoid contact with others, and if sick and you need to leave your home, put on a face mask. In about 80% of cases, symptoms resolve by themselves with supportive care (including rest, fluids, and taking fever reducing medications such as Tylenol).

Individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2 may be unknowingly spreading the virus even without having symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, and without feeling ill. Viral particles may be present in their respiratory secretions, and can become aerosolized and infect other persons or contaminate surfaces.

A simple cloth mask made of commonly available materials can act as a physical barrier preventing the spread of the droplets of saliva and other fluids that may contain large numbers of viral particles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using:

• multiple layers of cloth
• a material that can be washed and dried at home, and easily reused
• fabric that can be tied or otherwise secured on the head in order to stay in place
• cloth that allows for the wearer to easily breath through it

Surgical masks and respirators are needed for use by clinical professionals who regularly interact with infected persons or work in close proximity to confirmed COVID-19 patients. These types of protective equipment are in short supply. At this time, their use is not recommended for the general public, and they should be reserved for use in clinical settings. Depending on the JSA process, some Teachers College labs and researchers may be required to use this level of PPE. Contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (ehs@tc.columbia.edu) if you need further information.

Yes. Cloth coverings should be washed daily. Simple laundering with hot water and a detergent is sufficient to keep the mask clean and safe to reuse.

Commonly accessible materials, like T-shirts, coffee filters, a bandana etc. can be used to create a covering that covers one’s face tightly and comfortably. Instructions on how to make your own mask can be found on the CDC website.

A face covering is not a substitute for Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPI) that help minimize the spread of the virus. Physical distancing, as well as frequent and thorough washing of hands, and avoiding touching one’s face are the most effective practices against the spread of COVID-19. These must be practiced in addition to wearing a face covering.