The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people wear face masks in public settings to reduce the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. If worn correctly, face masks provide an extra layer to help prevent the respiratory droplets from traveling in the air and onto other people.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the U.S., we thought we’d take a moment to refresh on proper mask use.

Mask Dos

• Use the ties or loops to put your mask on and pull it off.
• Wear your mask so it comes to the bridge of your nose.
• Pinch the portion of the mask on the bridge of your nose to assure it is securely fashioned.
• Make sure your mask covers your chin.
• Tighten the loops or ties so the mask is snug around your face without gaps.
• Wear a mask with tightly woven fabrics.
• Wash your hands before and after wearing a mask
• Wash and dry out your cloth mask daily and keep it in a clean, dry place.

Mask Don’ts

• Don’t wear the mask below your nose (or on just the tip of your nose).
• Don’t leave your chin exposed.
• Don’t wear the mask loosely with gaps on the sides.
• Don’t push the mask down to rest on, or around, your neck.
• Don’t touch the front of the mask when you take it off.

Masks can offer a great barrier of prevention but are not a substitute for social distancing and frequent hand washing. For more information on considerations for wearing masks, visit the CDC website.