How to Properly Wear a Mask
Our Munson Healthcare safety penguin, Waddles, who originally made his appearance to show us all how to walk safely outdoors and in, has come back to remind us that our masks only work to protect us and the people around us when we wear them correctly.
Masks are one of our best lines of defense for preventing the spread of COVID-19 when combined with other healthy habits, including:
- Only going out when its essential
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- Avoiding close contact with people not in your household
- Practicing social distancing
- Washing your hands regularly
- Avoiding touching your nose, eyes, and mouth
- Staying home when you’re sick and avoiding others who are sick
Masks reduce the spread of COVID-19 by creating a physical barrier to reduce the spread of large respiratory droplets and smaller airborne particles (known as aerosols) that can carry the coronavirus. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control recently came out with a scientific brief that says wearing a mask protects both the wearer and the people around them.
This animation from the New York Times shows just how effective a swath of fabric can be at fighting the pandemic.
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So what is the best way to wear a mask to ensure it’s most effective? Waddles says,
“Under the chin is where it begins,” and
“Over the nose is where it goes.”
Waddles also says that for safe and effective masking, masks should:
- Fit comfortably on the bridge of your nose
- Completely cover your nose and mouth
- Fit snugly but comfortably on your chin and against the side of your face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
Here are some other tips from the World Health Organization on how to safely wear and take care of your mask:
Even penguins know the importance of masking against COVID-19! For more information on masking and why it matters, see some of our recent blogs and TV segments:
Click here to download an 8.5 x 11 Waddles poster and help us spread the word about safe masking!