NIC Rebounds
Staying Safe & Healthy
Q&A
Here are answers to some of the questions recently received via NIC's coronavirus (COVID-19) question/feedback form.
Q: Since masks are required, please provide information on how long one should wear each kind of mask until the masks become unhealthy or ineffective. I have some health issues that masks could complicate.
A: We addressed this in the July 24 NICNow, and the information is published here on the NIC website in the section headed "How often should masks be cleaned?"
There are many different types of masks. At NIC, we are dealing primarily with cloth or single-use masks. The recommended frequency of washing masks or disposing of them is general advice, and it is directly tied to how long a mask should be worn. If you have concerns that are less general in nature regarding specific health issues and wearing masks, please do not hesitate to seek guidance from the Panhandle Health District Coronavirus (COVID-19) Informational Hotline: 877-415-5225, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or your health care provider.
…
Q: Please clarify when masks are required. The Kootenai County mandate states that masks are required when you cannot social distance 6 feet but some communications sound like you have to wear a mask anytime you are in the same space with another person, regardless of whether you are 6 feet apart. If someone is working more than 6 feet apart, can I work without a mask on?
A: NIC's mask requirement is similar to the countywide order, but while inside any NIC building, a face mask is required whenever two or more people are present. A face mask must be worn AND physical distancing of 6 feet must be maintained.
While outdoors on NIC property, masks must be worn whenever 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible.
Please see: Masks at NIC