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