How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings

Cloth face coverings are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings.

·       Who should NOT use cloth face coverings: children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance

·       Cloth face coverings are NOT surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Surgical masks and N-95 respirators must be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended in CDC guidance.

Wear your Face Covering Correctly

·        Wash your hands before putting on your face covering

·        Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin

·        Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face

·        Make sure you can breathe easily

Use the Face Covering to Protect Others

·        Wear a face covering to help protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms

·        Keep the covering on your face the entire time you’re in public

·       Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead

·       Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands

Follow Everyday Health Habits

·        Stay at least 6 feet away from others

·        Avoid contact with people who are sick

·        Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time

·        Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

Take Off Your Cloth Face Covering Carefully, When You’re Home

·        Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops

·        Handle only by the ear loops or ties

·        Fold outside corners together

·        Place covering in the washing machine (learn more about how to wash cloth face coverings)

·        Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing.