Officials from Saratoga County hosted a Facebook Live event Wednesday morning to answer questions from residents related to COVID-19. The hour-long event was hosted on the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services Facebook page and featured:

Jennifer McCloskey, Director of Employment and Training
Dr. Michael Prezioso, Commissioner of Mental Health and Addictive Services
Tina Potter, Commissioner of Social Services

Community members can re-watch the stream here: https://www.facebook.com/SaratogaOES/videos/1116235435395182/?vh=e

The importance of masks

Face masks must be worn if individuals are out in public and especially while doing essential shopping for groceries or at the pharmacy. They must also be worn if individuals are:
In a situation where one is unable to maintain a six-foot distance
Traveling in a public or private transportation carrier or for hire-vehicle (i.e., bus, train, taxi, Uber, Lyft)

Essential businesses must provide face coverings or masks to all essential workers for both the employees’ protection and to protect others. Employees who directly interact with the public should self-monitor themselves each day before work for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. We are seeing a variety of symptoms with COVID-19.

Monitor daily for the following:
temperature (check to see if experiencing fevers or chills)
loss of taste and loss of smell
dry chronic cough
shortness of breath
nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
extreme fatigue or severe headache

Essential workers are not to go to work if ill and should contact their healthcare provider.

How to make a mask or face covering at home

That being said, the Department of Public Health Services is aware of mask shortages. The CDC has a helpful resource on its website outlining how to wear a mask and instructions on how to make a homemade mask. That link can be accessed here: https://www.cdc.gov/…/prevent…/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing. Be sure to wash your homemade mask often.