Masks and Face Coverings

Face coverings are just one tool in our COVID-19 prevention toolkit.

Combined with other tools like staying home, hand washing, and physical distancing, they may help slow the spread of COVID-19.

NOTE: face coverings are required in a personal care service setting, such as a hair salon. Click here for more information

How to choose a face covering:

• You can purchase a cloth mask or make your own. Make sure your face covering has multiple layers of fabric.
• Click here for instructions on sewing your own face covering or making one from an old tshirt or bandana.
• Do NOT use surgical masks or N95s. These won’t do you any good without proper fit and training, and they should be reserved for the people who have that training—nurses, doctors, and first responders.
• Face coverings should not be used on children under the age of 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing.

How to wear a face covering:

• Wash your hands before touching your face covering.
• Use the ear loops or ties to put your face covering on.
• The face covering needs to fit snugly around your face, without any gaps, while still allowing you to breath without restriction.
• Make sure that it covers your nose and mouth at all times.

How to remove your face covering:

• Wash your hands before removing your face covering.
• Use the ear loops or ties to remove the face covering. Do not touch the front of the covering, and do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth when removing it.
• Is it wet or visibly dirty? Wash it or throw away. Cloth face coverings need to be washed regularly.
• Store your face covering inside something clean, like a paper bag or Ziploc bag. Your purse or pocket doesn’t cut it.
• Wash your hands again!

If you choose to wear a face covering when you go out, don’t let it give you a false sense of security! You still need to stay home as much as possible. And if you do have to go out, follow physical distancing guidelines and wash your hands often with soap and water.

CDC’s cloth face covering FAQs