Health Officials Share Advice On How To Wear Masks

Many people are wearing masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19, but health experts have said there are some best practices when wearing one.  

Masks have become a major part of our lives, especially if you live in cities with mandatory mask ordinances. 

"Those of us in the medical field already are used to wearing masks and have probably been yelled at some point in our training for not wearing them appropriately or touching them when we shouldn't," said Dr. Emily Grewe-Nelson with Utica Park Clinic

While the medical community is used to wearing masks and gloves, the public is not, so doctors are passing along some basic information.

"We really appreciate everyone's effort on this, and everyone is still learning so do the best that you can," said Dr. Grewe-Nelson.

Some of these tips are from Dr. Grewe-Nelson and some are from Johns Hopkins Medicine: 

-Wash your hands before you put your mask on.

-When you are wearing a disposable mask remember: "You have to undo the pleats," said Dr. Grewe-Nelson, "Take it off, put it on, by the ear loops."

-Masks need to cover your nose and mouth: "If it is not covering your nose, it is really not covering any of those droplets that are covering your nose," said Dr. Grewe-Nelson.

-If you must touch your mask to readjust it, sanitize your hands with soap or hand sanitize before you continue to work.

"All the stuff that falls on the mask, just from being around people, is going to be on the front of that mask," said Dr. Grewe-Nelson.

-Reusable cloth masks need to be washed, don't wear them more than one day at a time.

-Don't share masks.

For more mask tips, visit the Johns Hopkins Medicine Website here.