What You Should (and Shouldn't) Do While Wearing a Mask in Public

If wearing a mask is new territory for you, you’re not alone. It can be hard to know exactly how to wear your mask, when to wear it, and the proper etiquette for doing so when you’re around other people. If you’re feeling a bit lost, we have some pointers for you:

DO:

Clearly understand how to put on and remove your mask.

Ensure that your mask has multiple layers of fabric and that you can breathe comfortably through it.

Make sure your mask is covering both your mouth and nose at all times.

Wash your hands before and after each time you touch your mask, including before you put it on and after you take it off.

Stay at least six feet away from other people when out in public.

Double check that your mask fits snugly on your face with no gaps that could let in particles.

Wash your cloth mask regularly with hot water and regular detergent – then hang to dry.

Consider wearing a mask at home if you live with an elderly person or someone who is immunocompromised.

DON’T:

Lower your mask so that it only covers your mouth; the whole point is to prevent particles from your respiratory system from reaching other people. When you breathe, those particles also come out of your nose, not just your mouth.

Push your mask to your chin when eating or drinking. Instead, find an isolated spot to enjoy your food or beverage, remove your mask, perform proper hand hygiene, and put the mask on after you are done.

Wear a mask that has been soiled, damaged, torn, or is otherwise unclean or unsafe.

Leave your home unnecessarily when you are feeling ill or have a fever.

Allow a child younger than two years old to wear a mask. This applies to other people who may have trouble removing a mask on their own as well.

Forget that you can still become infected by touching your eyes, an area your mask won’t cover. It’s important that you pair donning your mask with proper hand hygiene and resist touching your eyes and face.

If everyone works together, the spread of diseases can slow dramatically. Wearing a mask is a great step toward that goal, but only if you know how to wear it in a way that maximizes safety. If you have any questions, please reach out to us!