Face Masks and Coverings

Wear a Face Mask or Covering to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that cloth face coverings be worn by everyone when going out in public.

Recent studies have suggested that people infected with COVID-19 can spread it even when they don’t have symptoms. The virus can spread through droplets from when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Wearing a face covering can help you protect yourself and others from these droplets. It is still important to practice social distancing while wearing a face covering.

Wearing Your Mask

Make sure your mask fits snugly and comfortably against the sides of your face. It should cover your nose and mouth but allow you to breathe comfortably.

Here are some tips to help you wear your mask safely:

• Put your mask on before you enter a public place and keep it on the entire time

• Avoid adjusting the mask or lowering the mask from your nose or mouth

• Don’t touch the outside or inside of your mask while you wear it

• When you remove it, don’t touch the inside of the mask, your eyes, nose or mouth

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds immediately after removing your mask

• Clean your mask regularly in your washing machine

Masks should not be worn by children two years old or younger, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone unconscious or incapacitated and unable to remove the mask without help.