Face masks

Face masks are a way we can protect ourselves and others. Find out when you should wear them, how to wear them safely, and how to get free face masks.

You may be asked to wear a face mask

Some healthcare facilities and certain areas within healthcare facilities may ask visitors to wear a face mask. This is to protect those at higher risk, for example patients receiving care in an intensive care unit or emergency department of a hospital. To protect those at higher risk, respect and follow the healthcare facilities policies.

Where and why you should wear a face mask

We recommend you wear a face mask when visiting healthcare services.

Wearing a face mask is also encouraged when in closed, crowded and confined spaces, such as when travelling on public transport.

Wearing a face mask helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 in 2 ways:

They reduce the number of virus particles someone with COVID-19 can spread.
They prevent you from inhaling virus particles.

Face masks help protect you and others around you, especially people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. This includes:

older people and kaumātua
babies
people living in aged residential care facilities
patients in hospital
people with other health conditions
disabled people.

You should find a good quality face mask that fits you well and is comfortable to wear.

How to wear a face mask safely

Free face masks

Masks remain free until 29 February 2024. You can get free face masks when you pick up free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from participating pharmacies and collection centres.

This includes medical masks and P2/N95 masks for people at higher risk of getting very sick. When picking up masks, talk to the staff onsite about whether a medical or a P2/N95 mask is the best choice for you.

People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19

You do not need to be unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms to get free masks.

Find a collection centre near you that offers free face masks:

on the Healthpoint website (external link)
by calling 0800 222 478 and choosing option 1.

Wearing a face mask

Face masks are a way we can protect ourselves and others. We recommend you wear one when visiting healthcare services, or in crowded, confined spaces.

Types of face masks

Different types of face masks offer different protection. Make sure your face mask is well-fitting with no gaps and used correctly and consistently. this will help to protect you and others from COVID-19.

How to wear a face mask safely

When you wear a face mask, it is important you use it safely. It should go over your nose, mouth and chin. It should be well-fitting so there are no gaps above, below or on the sides.

If you cannot wear a face mask

Face masks are unsuitable for some people due to disabilities or health conditions. Find advice on wearing a face mask comfortably.

How to make a face mask

You can easily make a fabric face mask. It should have 3 layers, with 1 layer of moisture-resistant fabric. It should have loops around your ears or head.