Mask Do’s & Don’ts

COVID-19 has spread all across the world in 2020 and will continue to spread in 2021 until the majority of the population gets vaccinated. In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention highly recommends wearing a mask and to socially distancing yourself from others. Masks can be highly effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19, but if not worn properly, these masks will be ineffective.

Here are some guidelines to follow when wearing a mask:

You Must Wash Your Hands Before And After You Take Off Your Mask

A study done by Signs.com showed that 35% of the study participants do not wash their hands before putting on a face mask. While, 44 % of the study participants do not wash their hands before taking off their face mask. The CDC, recommends to washing your hands  for 20-30 seconds or using hand sanitizer before putting on and removing your mask. This is because infections from your hands can be transferred onto your mask, and these infections on your mask can easily infect your nose and mouth.

Reusable Masks Should Be Washed Regularly

According to the CDC, cloth masks should be washed daily. The CDC recommends washing cloth masks with your daily laundry or to wash them by hand with tap water and soap or laundry detergent.

Disposable Masks Should Only Be Worn Once

A Signs.com survey revealed that that 44 % of the study participants wear their disposable mask multiple times before throwing their mask away. If worn multiple times, a disposable mask will not be as effective.

When Wearing A Mask Your Nose and Mouth Must Be Covered

According to the CDC, your nose and mouth must be covered at all times when wearing a mask. Covering your mouth and your nose will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect you from the COVID-19 virus.

Your Mask Must Be Stored In A Safe Place

After removing your mask properly, the CDC recommends putting your clean reusable mask in a breathable bag (paper bag or fabric bag) in order to keep it clean. If your reusable mask is dirty, the CDC recommends keeping your mask concealed in a plastic bag until you can wash it.

Always remember, properly wearing a mask and properly taking care of your mask can protect yourself and your loved ones from this pandemic.