Stay Covered for Each Other

About

The coronavirus continues to spread across the United States. And with higher rates of chronic health conditions, limited access to healthcare, and greater economic insecurity, communities of color are being hit the hardest.

Especially vulnerable are those challenged by underlying conditions or poverty, from those experiencing homelessness or incarceration to young people in foster care. Many of our workers on the frontlines come from the neighborhoods with limited access to vital resources, like face masks, and have to not only care for themselves and their closest ones, but do their job of protecting us all.

They are mothers, fathers, old friends. They are our neighbors and our neighbors’ neighbors.

From the bike courier to the grocery store associate to the intake receptionist to the bedside nurse, we’re all connected. Each of us can either be a part of the spread, or we can stop it in its tracks. Right now, everything we do can help save lives and livelihoods—and it starts with you.

So, stay smart on local guidelines, keep at least six feet of distance from others, and when you go out, wear a mask. Do your part, every time, for everyone.

The Urgent Need

While covering your face is an essential public safety measure, not all neighborhoods have equal access to face masks or coverings at scale to effectively protect themselves and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This means communities challenged by poverty — and all who serve and protect them, including healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers — face an even greater burden.

That’s why Harlem Children’s Zone, together with three national partners (NAACP, StriveTogether and PolicyLink) and six highly respected community partners (Northside Achievement Zone, Oakland Promise, Thrive Chicago, BRICK Education Network, Purpose Built Communities and United Way for Southeastern Michigan) are driving awareness and public education about the importance of staying covered for each other. Because your mask protects your neighbors, and your neighbor’s mask protects you. And, by staying covered together, our community is stronger in fighting the virus.

#StayCoveredTogether

What both challenges us and makes us strong in many cities is how closely knit our communities are — culturally and physically. When you go out, we know it’s not always easy to keep your distance on a narrow sidewalk or store aisle.

That’s why covering your face is critical to stay safe, stop the spread and save lives.

Our Message

Our message to everyone, everywhere in the nation is simple: keep your distance and wear masks to protect your neighbors and those on the frontlines who are there to protect us all.

Together, let’s stay covered for each other.

Hear From Local Community Leaders

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Stay Covered Together: Harlem Children’s Zone

Kwame Owusu-Kesse discusses COVID-19.

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Stay Covered Together: Purpose Built Communities

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Stay Covered Together: Oakland Promise

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Stay Covered Together: Thrive Chicago

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Stay Covered Together: Northside Achievement Zone

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Stay Covered Together: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Illustration of people wearing masks and social distancing

FAQs

Who needs to wear a mask and when?

Wear a mask in public when social distancing cannot be maintained, such as on public transportation, in grocery stores, etc. See here for more details

How do I safely put on and remove a mask?

  1. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub before putting on the mask.
  2. Only touch the outside of your mask. Cover your nose and mouth so the mask fits snugly. If there is a metal strip/stiff edge on one side, mold it to your nose. Avoid touching the mask while wearing. Clean your hands if you do.
  3. When done, clean hands and remove from behind. If it’s limited-use, discard or store in paper bag between uses. If reusable or a cloth covering, wash with soap and water immediately and let dry completely before reuse. Clean hands after.

What can I use to cover my face if I don’t have a mask?

Cloth face coverings can also be used to cover your face. For more details on how to make and safely use cloth face coverings, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus

Can I reuse a mask?

If wearing a limited-use mask, discard or store in paper bag between uses. If reusable or a cloth covering, wash with soap and water immediately and let dry completely before reuse. Clean hands after.

For more details, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus

Where can I find more details on how to protect myself and others?

Visit cdc.gov/coronavirus for more details

Get Involved

1. Share the Hashtag #StayCoveredTogether

On Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube

2. Spread the Knowledge

Download and share the graphics below on your social platforms with the hashtag #StayCoveredTogether

Stay Smart on Local Guidelines, Keep Your Distance, Wear a Mask
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How to Cover Your Face
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Informational Video
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