COVID-19 FAQ: For Communities

Hygienic face coverings are recommended in public places to slow the spread of COVID-19, in addition to regular hygiene and handwashing. You should wear a face mask when seeking medical care, going to the store, or going back to work, while practicing a social distance of six feet. For additional face covering resources check out the FAQ for personal face coverings provided by the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.

The CDC recommends a reusable cotton cloth face covering which should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face. The covering should include multiple layers of fabric, allow breathing without restriction, and be able to be laundered and machine dried without losing shape.  It should be washed routinely depending on its frequency of use, especially in areas where there may be an increased risk of exposure. The CDC link includes an ASL video series on DIY Cloth Face Coverings, How to Wash Cloth Face Coverings and an instructional video from US Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams on how to make your own Face Covering.

COVID-19 is transmitted via droplets from an infected person entering mucus membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). It was previously believed that virus-carrying airborne droplets can remain in the air and land on surfaces, however, the CDC has noted in a recent update that COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person. It remains strongly recommended to practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face and physically distancing from others to reduce your risk for transmission. According to a study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, droplets can travel up to six feet, and practicing social distancing has been essential in reducing transmission.

Harvard University projects that if there are no interventions to stop the spread, one infected person could infect two to three (2 – 3) people. Preventing one case can have a long-term impact on reducing the total number of cases.

We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness that COVID-19 causes. The CDC recommends taking steps to slow the spread, including maintaining good social distance (at least 6 feet), washing hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

According to the CDC, the purpose of isolation is separating infected people from others as a means to reduce transmission. Quarantine is the separation of healthy people who may have had exposure to the virus. This is intended to reduce their number of contacts during a time when they may be infectious. Both isolation and quarantine include separating people to protect the public by limiting further spread of COVID-19. The CDC also has a guide to help people determine if they need to be in isolation or quarantine. Johns Hopkins University reports that COVID-19 patients have the highest rate of transmission two (2) days before they develop symptoms. Although some patients may be asymptomatic, many will experience symptoms within two to fourteen (2 – 14) days of being infected.

Social distancing or physical distancing is one of the CDC’s everyday steps to prevent COVID-19. This includes staying at least six (6) feet from other people, not gathering in groups and avoiding crowded places like mass gatherings.

We can empower community members by reaching out to local religious organizations, community leaders and organizations, news stations, politicians, and locals with established platforms, in order to spread the most recent updates. This should include low-cost and accessible ways for people to gather information and share feedback, such as radio, “live” social media streaming platforms, virtual townhalls, and text messages. Community leaders may coordinate with Indigenous-led groups or partner organizations that work with Indigenous people to ensure information reaches these and other marginalized communities.

The CDC has released specific guides for correctional and detention centers, essential workers, and meat packing plants, as well as first responders and law enforcement. These guides include proper planning, preparation, and response. For a complete list of all of their community resources, including those for schools, faith-based organizations, and tribal communities, visit this site. Importantly, for professionals in heavy aerosol environments, PPE-style masks (N95) are recommended.

People have a right to feel safe and empowered, no matter their immigration status. The Informed Immigrant has a resource library with materials from respected organizations such as the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). With these and other community partners, the Informed Immigrant compiled state-by-state resources for housing, health care, and other advocacy needs. The Informed Immigrant COVID-19 Resource Guide is updated on a weekly basis, and they are also accepting submissions for resources to support communities throughout the US.

Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, for many survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence, staying home may not be the safest option. Financial and/or family ties may prevent survivors from seeking shelter outside the home where they face this violence. For support and resources for dealing with domestic or intimate partner violence during COVID-19, visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline here.

Community leaders should identify situations like these that reduce a person’s ability to practice social distancing. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has several other online resources, trainings, and tools to identify healthy relationships.