Effective Monday, July 27, 2020, an executive order will be in place for Indiana for anyone 8 years of age or older to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces and commercial entities, public modes of transportation, and outdoor public spaces when it’s not possible to socially distance. First Bank employees and clients are asked to be in compliance with this mandate within our Indiana facilities. As this Indiana executive order approaches, here are some mask reminders.

Why it is important to wear a cloth face covering?

Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. Wearing a cloth face covering will help protect people around you, including those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and workers who frequently come into close contact with other people (e.g., in stores and restaurants). Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings. The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced when cloth face coverings are used along with other preventive measures, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Is cloth okay?

The cloth face coverings recommended are surgical masks or respirators. Currently, those are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. Cloth face coverings and non-medical coverings are acceptable and recommended.

Wear your face covering correctly

• Wash your hands before putting on your face covering
• Touch only the straps and loops
• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face over your nose and mouth
• Make sure you can breathe easily
• Don’t put the face covering around your neck or up on your forehead
• Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect​
• Don’t wear your mask too loosely

Take off your cloth face covering carefully, when you’re home

It is important to always remove face coverings correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used face covering.

• Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops
• Handle only by the ear loops or ties Fold outside corners together
• Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use (See the cleaning instructions below)
• Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing

Mask cleaning instructions

Washing machine

• You can include your face covering with your regular laundry
• Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the face covering

Washing by hand

• Prepare a bleach solution by mixing 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water
• Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection
• Some bleach products, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing, may not be suitable for disinfection
• Ensure the bleach product is not past its expiration date
• Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser
• Soak the face covering in the bleach solution for 5 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water
• Make sure to completely dry cloth face covering after washing

Drying

• If using a dryer, use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry
• If air drying, lay flat and allow to completely dry
• If possible, place the cloth face covering in direct sunlight

Continue to follow everyday health habits

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

If you have a question or need in-person assistance, please call your nearest First Bank office. We’ll be happy to provide curb-side service if you prefer.

Learn more about how First Bank is here for you during the COVID-19 pandemic.