COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene can prevent infection.
Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has.
Follow these tips to improve how your mask protects you, and watch the below video on how to properly wear a mask.
- Make sure your mask fits snug against your nose, mouth and chin. Gaps can let air with respiratory droplets leak in and out around the edges of the mask.
- Check for gaps by cupping your hands around the outside edges of the mask.
- Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask.
- If the mask has a good fit, you will feel warm air come through the front of the mask and may be able to see the mask material move in and out with each breath.
- Pick a mask with layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out.A mask with layers will stop more respiratory droplets getting inside your mask or escaping from your mask if you are sick.
- Choose a mask with a nose wire. A nose wire is a metal strip along the top of the mask that prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. Bend the nose wire over your nose to fit close to your face.
Here are some videos on how to support you to manage your risks and practice good hygiene.
