Use of Face Masks to Help Slow COVID-19 Spread

How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask

CDC recommends that you wear masks in public settings around people who don’t live in your household and when you can’t stay 6 feet away from others. Masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others.

• Wear masks with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19
• Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Masks should be worn by people two years and older
• Masks should NOT be worn by children younger than two, people who have trouble breathing, or people who cannot remove the mask without assistance
• Do NOT wear masks intended for healthcare workers, for example, N95 respirators

How to Wear

Wear a mask correctly and consistently for the best protection.

• Be sure to wash your hands before putting on a mask
• Do NOT touch the mask when wearing it

Do wear a mask that

• Covers your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Fits snugly against the sides of your face

How to Clean

Masks should be washed regularly. Always remove masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used mask.

• Include your mask with your regular laundry
• Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask
• Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry