Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prospect of wearing a face mask has quickly evolved from being a personal choice to a grim reality. In this post, we’ll explore both the reasoning behind wearing a face mask and both the right and wrong way to wear one.
Why wear a face mask?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a face mask is helpful because:
- A cloth mask can help individuals cover a cough or sneeze, reducing the spread of germs.
- Some people with COVID-19 have mild to no symptoms and may be spreading the virus unknowingly. Cloth masks can help cut down how far the virus physically travels from the body in droplets leaving your mouth and nose every time you exhale, talk, sing, cough or sneeze.
- Cloth masks can prevent you from touching your face and be a visual reminder to practice social distancing.
What are some right and wrong ways to wear a face mask?
A CNN.com article from July 7, 2020, detailed the proper way to wear a face mask. The suggestions are based on the recommendations of both the CDC and the World Health Organization.
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Always wash your hands before you put on a clean face mask
- Your mask should have pleats that you can easily pull downward.
- When you’re putting your face mask on hold it by the ear loops
- Your mask should fit snugly against the sides of your face yet still be loose enough to breathe comfortably. Also, make sure no open flaps are leaving any areas of your face exposed.
- The mask should cover your nose, mouth and chin.
- Your mask should have a wired side that you can mold to fit the shape of your nose.
- Make it a point not to touch the front of your mask while you’re wearing it.
- Gently remove your mask, starting with the ear loops. After taking off your face mask, immediately store it in a clean plastic sandwich bag in a safe, sanitary place.
- Re-think re-wearing a face mask. Doing so could expose you to contaminants.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly throughout the day to lessen the chances of contracting the coronavirus.
How can I make a homemade medical face mask?
If you like to sew and want to know how to make a homemade medical-grade face mask, watch this video featuring famed crafter Erica Arndt:
How can I make a no-sew face mask?
If you can’t sew and still want to create a face mask, follow the instructions of Dr. Jerome Adams, the U.S. Surgeon General, in this video: