Here’s how you should and shouldn’t wear a face mask - according to experts

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, you may now be wearing a face mask when leaving the house for your daily walk or when visiting the supermarket (Photo: Shutterstock)As the coronavirus pandemic continues, you may now be wearing a face mask when leaving the house for your daily walk or when visiting the supermarket (Photo: Shutterstock)
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, you may now be wearing a face mask when leaving the house for your daily walk or when visiting the supermarket (Photo: Shutterstock)

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, you may now be wearing a face mask when leaving the house for your daily walk or when visiting the supermarket.

But, if you are wearing a face mask, there are certain things that experts are advising you should and shouldn’t do to ensure that you’re best protected.

Here’s everything you need to know.

How should I wear my mask?

You should wear your face mask so that it comes all the way up, close to the bridge of your nose, and then all the way down under your chin, if possible.

If you can, tighten your mask so that it’s close around your face without any gaps.

- Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water- Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask- Avoid touching the mask while using it. If you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water- Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not reuse single-use masks- To take off the mask, remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water

What should I avoid doing?

Don’t:

- Wear the mask below your nose- Leave your chin exposed- Wear your mask loosely with gaps on the sides- Wear your mask so it covers just the tip of your nose- Push your mask under your chin to rest on your neck

Do I need to wear a mask?

WHO explains:

- If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing- Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water- If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly