During COVID-19 Spread

On April 3, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control recommended that all people over the age of two years old wear a cotton face covering or other mouth and nose covering during the community spread of COVID-19. See CDC’s Face covering recommendation.

A cotton face covering provides minimal protection to the person wearing the mask. The real focus is on protecting other people nearby from exposure to COVID-19 in case you may be carrying the disease.. It is possible that people, who have COVID-19, will spread the virus while not having symptoms of COVID-19. Think of a cotton mask as not so much PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) but rather “Community Protective Equipment”.

If everyone wore a mask, it would lessen the spread in our community.

It is VERY important that everyone continue the primary prevention actions needed to prevent COVID-19 spread including social distancing and adhering to shelter in place orders when in effect. See CDC’s How to Protect Yourself and Others.   

CDC’s Cloth Face Coverings: Q&A

See CDC’s Use of Cloth Face Covering to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19.

Missoula County Public School employees are community minded, innovative and generous. We are asking employees that are able to sew, to make masks for other employees who want to use them. MCPS will then collect and distribute the masks through a central process.

We will package each donated mask in a bag with an information card to distribute to employees as requested. You can rest assured that the mask and packaging will be prepared to avoid COVID-19 transmission.

However, if you have another source to obtain a mask, we encourage you to pursue that source.

If you want a mask, click here and see below.

NOTE:  We are prioritizing the distribution of donated masks. Know that when and if you receive a mask is dependent upon priority need and availability.

1. Priority one: Employees working regularly (2-5 times a week) in District buildings during either school closure or when schools re-open with recommended COVID-19 precautions.
2. Priority two: Employees occasionally working in District buildings during school closure.
3. Priority three: Employees not coming into District buildings during school closure.

If you are willing to make and donate masks, please visit the Making Cotton Face Masks webpage.