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If you wear a mask to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19, it’s worth reading on to ensure that you’re wearing the mask in a manner that provides maximum protection.
What follows is the latest information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Please note that because the pandemic creates an ever-fluid situation from one week or month to the next, it is prudent to check trusted sources — such as the CDC, WHO, FDA or NIH — frequently for the latest ongoing updates.)
According to the CDC, here is the correct way to wear a mask for optimal protection:
- Wear a mask in all public settings when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when social distancing is not possible.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your mask.
- Make sure your mask completely covers your mouth and nose.
- Try to fit the mask as snugly as possible against the sides of your face, and beneath your chin.
- Position your mask so that you can breathe easily.
- Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead.
- Don’t touch the mask while wearing it, (if you do, wash your hands or disinfect with an approved hand sanitizer.)
- Once you’re at home, remove your mask carefully by touching only the ear loops/ties, then fold the outside corners together.
- If your mask is not disposable, place the mask in a washing machine (Instructions for properly washing your mask are included below.)
- Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing your mask, and wash your hands immediately after removing.
How to properly wash re-usable masks:
- If you’re using a washing machine, you can wash your mask with your regular laundry. Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest possible water temperature setting.
- If washing your mask by hand, use a solution comprised of 4 tsp. bleach per quart of room temperature water. (Check the bleach label to make sure it’s suitable for disinfection, and not beyond its expiration date.) Soak the mask in the bleach solution for 5 minutes, then rinse thorough with cool or room temperature water.
To dry your re-usable mask:
- Tumble in a dryer at the highest heat setting until dry.
- If air-drying, lay the mask flat against a hard surface, (preferably in direct sunlight,) and allow to dry completely.
Wearing a mask is a responsible way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Though it may be uncomfortable or cumbersome at times, following the above guidelines will ensure that any inconvenience you endure will not be in vain.
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