What type of mask is best? How often should I wash it?
Answers to your questions about masks!
Click HERE to watch a video from King5 About Wearing Masks.
It’s a daily refrain from public health officials: Mask up. As the number of novel coronavirus cases continues to rise nationwide, the recurring message from many public health experts and doctors has been simple: Wearing masks saves lives.
“We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said in July. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus — particularly when used universally within a community setting.”
But as face coverings have become increasingly commonplace in American life, so have questions about how to put them on, which ones are best, and how to keep them clean.
First, here are some key steps for putting your mask on and taking it off. You can download a copy of these guidelines with images HERE.
Putting Your Mask On
With clean hands, fit the mask to cover your mouth, nose and chin.
Secure it tightly to minimize gaps between your face and the mask.
Make sure your mask covers your face snugly but comfortably.
Once it’s on, do not touch or adjust it. Wash your hands.
Removing Your Mask
Handling only the straps, untie or unloop your mask from behind and pull it away from your face. Do not touch the front of the mask, your eyes, nose or mouth.
Immediately throw the mask in the laundry, or the trash if it’s intended for single use. Wash your hands.
Remove and dispose of paper masks and other personal protective equipment, such as gloves, in the garbage before you get into your car or home.
To avoid cross-contamination, consider carrying a separate bag to put your soiled mask in if you are going to bring it home to launder.
Always wash your hands before and after handling your mask.
DON’T
Don’t pull your mask down. If you touch it, wash your hands and put on a clean one.
Don’t continue to use your mask if it gets damp. Replace it.
Don’t reuse single-use masks. Wear a fresh one every time.
Don’t wear medical masks or respirators, as those should be reserved for health care workers.
Should you wash reusable face masks after using them?
The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) both recommend washing your face masks regularly to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Click HERE for more information about How to Wash your Mask, and Why it’s Important
The majority of states now require masks statewide, which means many people have turned to reusable options instead of single-use throwaways.
According to advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), you should wash fabric masks in soap or detergent, and preferably with hot water, at least once a day.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests similar steps be taken, saying, “Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use. It is important to always remove face coverings and wash your hands after handling or touching a used face covering.”