The Mask Entrepreneurs

These Gen Zers—the Mask Entrepreneurs—are using their innovation and creativity to make an impact. They are developing masks and encouraging everyone to stay safe and protect others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to Lauren, Yasmina, Dylan, Connor and Shelbi who are making the most out of these tough times—showing up and masking up for a better future. And thanks to Mitchell Crawford for helping us share these stories in partnership with Courageous Studios, WarnerMedia and CNN Heroes. Join us and The Mask Entrepreneurs—Show Up and #MaskUp.

SHOW UP TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

CDC COVID-19 Resources on How to Protect Yourself

COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, mainly by the following routes: Between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breathes, sings or talks. People who are infected but do not have symptoms can also spread the virus to others. Learn more about how to protect yourself and others:

Get Vaccinated

• Authorized COVID-19 vaccines can help protect you from COVID-19.
   
• You should get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.
   
• Once you are fully vaccinated, you may be able to start doing some things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic.

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask

• Masks help prevent you from getting or spreading the virus.
   
• Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
   
• Do NOT use a mask meant for a healthcare worker. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.
   
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
   
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
   
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
   
• Outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
   
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
   
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
   
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
   
• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.

Monitor Your Health Daily

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19.
   
• Take your temperature if symptoms develop. Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
   
• Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated

Learn more about how to protect yourself and others once you are fully vaccinated.

Information about protecting yourself from COVID-19 is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).