Tips For Wearing Face Masks: Edward-Elmhurst Health

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Now that May 1 has arrived, Illinois residents over the age of two must wear masks whenever they go out in public as the new coronavirus crisis continues. Because coronavirus can be spread by respiratory droplets through sneezing, coughing or even talking, masks can help prevent those who may be ill and asymptomatic from spreading the virus to others.

Edward-Elmhurst Health recently shared a list of dos and don'ts to help people learn how to properly wear masks in public. While N95 masks are the preferred method of face covering, those should be reserved for health care workers. Cloth masks or cloth face coverings are slightly less effective, but can also do the job to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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Here's how to put on and take off a mask on properly, according to Edward-Elmhurst Health:

1. Always put the same side of a reused mask onto your face
2. Grab the mask by the ear loops or upper ties
3. Secure ear loops behind your ears or tie upper ties first behind your head and then lower ties behind your head
4. To take off the mask, remove it carefully without touching your eyes, nose or mouth
5. Remove ear loops first or untie lower ties first and then upper ties, ensuring that the ties or loops don't touch the inside of the mask
6. Put reusable masks in a bag until you can wash them

Here's a list of some more tips from Edward-Elmhurst Health to help residents get the hang of wearing masks properly:

• Wear a mask or cloth face covering while out in public
• Make sure the mask has multiple layers of tightly woven fabric and can still allow for easy breathing
• Be sure the mask fits your face snugly and fully covers your nose and mouth to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets
• Wash your hands before you put on the mask and after you take it off or touch it
• Wash a cloth mask in warm water with detergent after each use and dry it thoroughly in the dryer

Here are some things to avoid when wearing a face mask, according to Edward-Elmhurst Health:

• Don't put a mask on anyone under the age of two or who has trouble breathing or won't be able to remove the mask without help
• Don't use medical grade masks, as those should be reserved for people in the health care profession
• Don't push your mask down to eat or drink. Instead, remove your mask completely and wash your hands.
• Don't wear a mask over just your mouth. The mask should cover your nose and your mouth.
• Don't wear a mask that hasn't been cleaned properly or has holes or other signs of damage.

Finally, Edward-Elmhurst Health encourages residents not to let the mask provide a false sense of security, as you can still get infected by touching your eyes even when you are wearing a face mask. They recommend continuing to practice the recommended six feet of social distancing and frequent hand-washing, in addition to staying home if you are ill or are sneezing, coughing or running a fever.

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