Whether or not you agree with a mandate to wear face masks, many of us will do so during our daily business. With that in mind, here are five ways for you to make the most of wearing a mask in public.
1. Not all masks are created equal
Cloth face masks are considered appropriate for general use in public. The Mayo Clinic recommends a mask that is two-layered. This means the cute reversible one your neighbor sewed for you is approved. Not recommended: a mask with a valve. Although the wearer breathes in filtered air, the unfiltered air is pushed out upon exhalation. This negates the protection for others.
2. Wash, wash, wash your hands
Before putting face masks on, wash your hands. This is a basic infection control principle. Anytime you come in contact with your face, do it with clean hands. This includes rubbing your eyes, wiping your lips, or scratching your nose. Likewise, after removing your mask, wash your hands again. You can eat and drink in an environment where you can socially distance from others by at least six feet. If you have to adjust your mask when it’s on, clean your hands afterward. For convenience, carry a hand sanitizer with you.
3. Do face masks make me look smart?
Face masks should fit comfortably snug, always covering your nose and mouth, and secure under the chin. Covering only the mouth is useless. Humans breathe in and out of both nose and mouth. And the purpose of the mask is to block germ transmission through the air, which can occur when one exhales (spreads germs) or inhales (takes in germs) through either nose or mouth.
4. When you’re done
When it’s time to take it off, clean your hands and grab the ties or ear loops to pull the mask away from your face. Fold face masks in on itself so the outside corners are together. Do not put the mask on your forehead like a headband, or around your neck like a scarf. Place face masks in a receptacle to be laundered. And then wash your hands.
5. Clean face masks up
Wash fabric face masks with other laundry using your regular detergent. If you’re using a washing machine, use the warmest possible water that’s safe for the type of cloth used to make the mask. For drying, it’s the same: Use the highest temperature possible for the fabric. Then allow to dry completely before wearing again.
If hand-washing the mask, use a disinfecting bleach. Follow the directions on the product to create the appropriate dilution, then soak the mask five minutes. Rinse with cool water and lay flat to dry or hang in direct sunlight. Be careful not to stretch the fabric; that could damage face masks.
