The Do's and Don'ts of Mask Wearing

With Thanksgiving and the holiday season coming around, people are gathering in smaller groups than in past years to celebrate. Prior testing and adequate quarantining can allow for this to happen safely, however with any indoor gathering, it is best to wear masks whenever possible if there are people outside your household around. Given the vast and scattered info out there about masks, I decided to break down some key points on effective mask wearing.

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Do’s:

• Make sure your mask covers your chin and nose

• Ensure your mask is snug and does not have gaps on the sides or by the nose: a well fitting mask protects the wearer and not just others

• Wash your mask after each use. If this is not possible or practical, be sure to air out your mask between uses for at least 3 days before reusing. Leaving a mask in sunlight can help disinfect it as well.

• Store your mask in a place that will not retain moisture

• Wash your mask in hot water with soap/detergent

• Use masks with layers: the more layers, the more protection. The CDC recommends at least two layers for cloth masks and gaiters, while the WHO recommends 3 layers (outer water resistant layer, inner water absorbent layer, and middle cloth or filter layer - see this video)

• Clean your hands after taking off your mask and before putting it on

• Remove your mask by the straps

• Find a mask with flexible material so it better conforms to your face

Don’ts:

• Wear a mask with a valve (this allows viral particles you breathe to get released)

• Reuse a mask that is wet or dirty: either wash it if it is a reusable mask, or dispose of it if it is a disposable mask

• Wear a loose mask

• Use a mask that is difficult to breathe through

• Share your mask with others

• Touch the front of your mask

• Wear masks while exercising if it can be avoided. Sweat makes the masks wet quickly which makes it hard to breathe and promotes microorganism growth. Instead, keep physical distance away from others when exercising.

• Use a face shield without a mask: air can seep out the sides and underneath, so a mask is still necessary with a face shield