Proper Mask Wearing Guide

IMPORTANT: In the state of New York, you are required to wear a face mask when in public.

The CDC has provided a corona protection guide from all their findings. However, coronavirus or COVID-19 is a newly discovered virus. Experts constantly learn more and more about it. At the moment, there is no vaccine. Taking proper steps to protect yourself and others can lower the spread significantly.

Please note that people who are at higher risk for COVID-19 include the following groups:

• 65+ year olds
• nursing home or LTC-facility communities
• people with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• people with serious heart conditions
• those who are immunocompromised (cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV/AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications are some of the things that cause one to be immunocompromised)
• people with severe obesity (BMI of 40+)
• people with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, liver disease, or diabetes

Other people who are at risk are pregnant people and people experiencing homelessness.

To view a guide on making your own CDC-approved masks with some simple infographics, check this blog post.

If you’d like a guide on washing reusable face masks, we have a blog post here.

Wear It Correctly

• Wash your hands before putting on your mask.
• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face.
• Make sure you can breathe easily.
• The CDC does not recommend use of masks or cloth masks for source control if they have an exhalation valve or vent.

Protect Others

• Masks must cover your nose and mouth to help protect others in case you’re infected with COVID-19 but don’t have symptoms.
• Wear a mask in public settings when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when it may be difficult for you to stay 6 feet apart.
• Always wear your mask correctly for maximum protection.
• Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead.
• Don’t touch the mask. If you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect​.

Continue Everyday Habits

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Take Your Mask off Carefully When at Home

• Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops.
• Handle only by the ear loops or ties.
• Fold outside corners together.
• If reusable, place mask in the washing machine or hand wash.
• Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing.
• Wash hands immediately after removing.