Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19: Tips on How to Wear a Face Mask From the CDC by 30Seconds Health

Family Health
3 years ago

Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19: Tips on How to Wear a Face Mask From the CDC

Confused about how to wear a face mask during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? Here's some advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering

Cloth face coverings should:

  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops.
  • Include multiple layers of fabric.
  • Allow for breathing without restriction.
  • Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings

  • CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
  • CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?

Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?

A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.

How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?

Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

Here's how to make sew and no-sew DIY face masks

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Hand Sanitizer $2 & Up
Hand Soap $1 & Up

How to Make Homemade Hand Sanitizer: These DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipes Are All Natural

Coronavirus DIY Face Masks: How to Make Homemade Health Face Masks to Help Stop the Spread of Germs & COVID-19

Still Going Out & Not Taking the Coronavirus Pandemic Seriously? Here's Why This Is Not a Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card, Folks

Social Distancing Tips: 15 Ways to Stay Both Sane & Safe During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Elisa Schmitz
Such a confusing time. It's good to see the CDC providing helpful information like this and clearing up the many misconceptions about face masks, thanks.

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Gluten-free Diets: 3 Things You Need to Know Before Going Gluten-Free

Food Allergies & Coronavirus: A Registered Dietitian's Guide to Food Insecurity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Skip the Potato Chips: How to Prep So You Grab Healthier Snacks!

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon: Why You Need to Sprinkle This Spice on Everything