Face Coverings - the New T-Shirt

As we get ready to re-enter the workplace things are likely to change with the premise of keeping the population safe. With the mandate issued throughout our Nation to wear face coverings, people are scrambling to protect themselves as best they can. The CDC is recommending this practice long with social distancing and hand-washing protocol.

When Covid-19 first hit, government officials recommended that face coverings were ineffective and unnecessary. This was false and reported to preserve existing supply for use by our first responders and medical community. With medical masks such as the N95's in short supply, officials still are conserving existing supplies for our medical practitioners. As we settle into the new normal, face coverings are here to stay.

Open for Business!

As we open up the economy companies will require that their employees wear face masks, so it is important to understand which face mask or coverings work best. Equally important is not create a false sense of security as these masks are not medical grade.

Social Distancing and Social Responsibility.

So what protection does non-medical grade face coverings offer? It has been reported that these masks can mostly help prevent the transmission of respiratory droplets from the user to others. So basically the masks help contain and not spread germs to your neighbor. This is extremely helpful and effective in a work environment if everyone is wearing a mask. The other consideration is that wearing a face-covering helps you avoid touching your face which is predominantly how germs are spread.

Branded Face Coverings Essentials.

The better face masks are made of tight-weave cotton which is also comfortable and breathable. Synthetic options are also available but less effective to the cotton counterpart. A mask that is form-fitted is also preferential as the looser the mask is, the more opportunistic germs can be to escape. One key consideration is the ear loops. Some have fixed loops and others have adjustable straps. The adjustable straps are preferential as they can adjust to the individuals head size. Again, the more snug fitting the face covering is, the better.

Keep that Face Covering Clean!

It is important to keep your face mask clean and is recommended that you wash each day after use. Consider your mask full of germs after wearing it all day, and just like your underwear put it in the laundry basket or hand wash. This will ensure that your mask is ready for the days ahead.

Fashion Statement.

Wearable face masks are fast-becoming the "new" T-shirt or hat. There are so many options that include mask style and mask branding. Users can customize the mask with a company logo and colors, an inspirational message, or even an artistic pattern. The sky's the limit.

Made Where?

Most of the branded mask offerings are manufactured Overseas, mainly in China and increasingly in Vietnam. USA manufacturers are onboarding fast with many fashion companies converting their operations to face-covering production. Even renowned designers are getting involved and offering their expertise in this fast-growing new market. The benefit of USA made coverings are two-fold; first, it supports the homeland, and second, the turnaround is typically quicker and more reliable. The cost differential is not as extreme as it used to be. US companies are hungry for the business and offering competitive pricing with the hopes of gaining market share.

The Final Word on Face Coverings.

Companies that are gearing up to get back to work will have to either provide or insist that their employees follow a new safety protocol and this will include face coverings. So no different than branding a hat or T-shirt to display company pride, a branded face covering conveys effectively social responsibility, employee safety and good old brand image.

Check out our face coverings.

Now let's get back to work!