How to wear a face mask safely
Video: How to wear a face mask safely
How to put on a face mask
Clean your hands
Before you put on your face mask, clean and dry your hands. Use either:
- soap and water, or
- hand sanitiser.

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.

How to make your face mask fit well
The effectiveness of a face mask can be improved by making sure your mask is well-fitting to prevent any air gaps between the mask and your face.
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.

While wearing a face mask
Avoid touching the front of your mask
If you touch your face or the front of your mask, thoroughly wash and dry your hands.

Avoid touching your face
If you touch your face or the front of your mask, clean your hands.

Avoid moving your mask
Do not pull your mask down below your chin.

How to remove a face mask
Clean your hands
Clean and dry your hands. Use either:
- soap and water, or
- hand sanitiser.

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 or dispose of your mask
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.

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