MASKS AND COVID-19 FATIGUE AT PICTONA

January 27, 2021

This pandemic just won’t go away! The number of infections and deaths continue to rise. Our members and guests have adhered to our Covid-19 guidelines reasonably well with the exception of social distancing. Please renew your effort to stay six feet away from others, whether or not they have a mask on.

Here is the latest advice from the CDC regarding masks.

• N95 masks are best (but not recommended for purchase to save for health care workers)
• Blue surgical masks are highly effective
• Double layered tightly woven cloth fabrics are recommended.
• Make them more effective with a filter in between layers.
• Tight weave silk masks are good.
• Double masks are very effective.

The CDC does not recommend the following:

• Face shields (one study found these to be only 65% effective in blocking the virus).
• Folded bandanas
• Knitted masks
• Neck gaiters

We ask you not to wear these unrecommended coverings. If you wish to wear a shield, wear a mask underneath please. Please wear your mask to cover both your mouth and nose. Wearing the mask below the nose puts you and others at risk.

Remember to wear a mask at all times at Pictona except when 2 or 4 of you are playing on the court. Take the mask off when you step onto the court and re-mask when you step off the court. This seems to be hard for some of us to remember, but please renew your effort to do so. Also, if more than 4 people are on a court for instruction, please keep your masks on.

Masks in the Kitchen. First thank you for your increased patronage of the Kitchen. Our Pick 2 (soup, salad, and sandwich) has been very popular. Please wear a mask in the Kitchen except when eating and drinking of course. Don’t approach the counter without a mask. Remember to put your mask on when picking up your food, going to the restroom, or walking to another table to visit with someone. No more than 4 people at one table and 6 when 2 tables are moved together.

PLEASE DON’T BE OFFENDED BY OUR EFFORTS TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE AT PICTONA SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY PLAYING. OUR STAFF WILL REMIND YOU TO MASK UP AND STEP BACK.