How to wear a face mask safely

Clean your hands

Before you put on your face mask, clean and dry your hands. Use either:

• soap and water, or
• hand sanitiser that is at least 60% alcohol.

Check your face mask

Make sure it is:

• clean
• dry
• not damaged.

Put on your face mask

Place the face mask over your nose and mouth, then secure it with ties or ear loops. The face mask should:

• fully cover your nose, mouth and chin
• fit comfortably, but securely, against the side of your face
• allow you to breathe easily.

Clean your hands again

Use either:

• soap and water, or
• hand sanitiser that is at least 60% alcohol.

Fold your mask in half

Clean or sanitise your hands first. Fold the mask top to bottom.

Tie knots in the ear loops

Tie a knot where the string attaches to the mask and pull tight.

Do this on both sides of the mask.

Fit the mask to your face

Place the face mask over your nose, mouth and chin.

Fit the mask comfortably, but securely, against the side of your face.

Make sure you mould the nose wire to your nose and there are no gaps at the sides.

Clean your hands

Clean and dry your hands. Use either:

• soap and water, or
• hand sanitiser that is at least 60% alcohol.

Remove your face mask

Take your mask off from behind and pull it away from your face.

Use the loops or untie it.

Do not touch the front of the mask, and be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Clean your mask

Clean cloth masks by washing them with detergent in hot water. You can do it either by hand or in a washing machine.

Dry the mask completely before you use it again. Do not use a damp mask.

Dispose of single-use face masks

Dispose of used face masks in your general household rubbish bin. Do not put them in the recycling.

Clean your hands again

Use either:

• soap and water, or
• hand sanitiser that is at least 60% alcohol.