Coronavirus Saturday: First Full Day Of Mandatory Facial Covering In Effect
NEW YORK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Saturday was the first full day for mandatory face covers for New Yorkers in places where social distancing isn't possible.
Just about everywhere you looked on Saturday, people were covered, CBS2's Cory James reports.
"I'm seeing a lot more people wearing them," one man said.
"It's protective, it's necessary," another man said.
RELATED STORY: How To Make Your Own Face Mask At Home
We learned on Saturday that the federal government has shipped 1.5 million cloth masks to New York State, which will be distributed to the public.
Grayson Chin believes this will help stop the spread in a place that is still the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis.
"I think it's hard to get a lot of masks and because of, I think it's causing a lot of people to not wear anything at all," he said.
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The MTA is reinforcing Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive order with a new digital campaign for riders on trains and buses.
An announcement playing at stations says, "Hello everyone. When you ride, you must wear a mask or covering that protects your nose and mouth."
"I think everybody's pretty much staying safe," one MTA rider said.
RELATED STORY: Talking To Kids About The Importance Of Wearing Masks Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Face coverings were being handed out in Newark.
They are required when entering essential businesses in New Jersey.
Josephine Horton was among those picking up a free mask.
"It's hard to purchase and the ones that you can purchase, they're kind of high, so I came out to get it," she said.
CORONAVIRUS: NY Health Dept. | NY Call 1-(888)-364-3065 | NYC Health Dept. | NYC Call 311, Text COVID to 692692 | NJ Health Dept. | NJ Call 1-(800)-222-1222 or 211, Text NJCOVID to 898211 | CT Health Dept. | CT Call 211
CBS2's Dr. Max Gomez has tips on how to properly wear your protective gear.
"[If it has] a little metal piece at the top, get that to snug around your nose, put this behind your ears, and then pull this bottom part underneath your chin," he said.
If you are using a scarf or bandana, keep it snug over your nose and cover your mouth. It will offer "decent protection," Dr. Max says.
Last but not least, Dr. Max says when you take your mask off, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.