mask guides

why wear masks?

You can have the coronavirus and spread it without any symptoms! That's why it's important to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

how are masks effective?

Masks lower your risk of spreading and catching the virus! Worst: not socially distance, not wearing a mask. Better: Wearing a mask, practicing social distancing. Best: Wearing a mask AND practicing social distancing.

why is mask fit important?

Mask fit has a huge impact on its protection level! On a scale of low to high protection, not wearing a mask is the worst. Next is wearing bad fitting N95 and cloth masks. Next is a cloth mask with a good fit or a surgical mask worn regularly. N95 masks with good fit offer the most protection. Did you know? N95 masks work only if they fit well! The best cloth masks protect better than surgical masks.

what does a good fit look like?

A good mask fit covers your nose, mouth, and chin without gaps for the virus to come in. If you have trouble keeping your mask on, try a different one that works for you.Picture

how do I check if my mask fits?

Fit check your mask every time you put it on. First, inhale. Your mask should pull on your face. Second, exhale. Your mask should expand. Third, make sure there are no major leaks. Readjust your mask or put on a different one of there are any big leaks.

how do I improve the fit of my mask?

You can make your mask fit better! For gaps around nose or glasses fogging up, tape your mask to your nose or attach a wire on the top of your mask to fit around your nose bridge. If your mask is too loose, tie your straps so they're shorter or wear pantyhose over the mask.

what materials are best for making masks?

Fabrics with higher thread counts are better at filtering virus. Terrycloth, muslin, and T-shirts have low thread count. Bandanas and scarves have medium thread count. Linen, bedsheets, and pillowcases have high thread count.

what are the best practices for mask-wearing?

You can catch the coronavirus by touching your face and the front of your mask! When putting on and taking off your mask, try not to touch the front.

what's the best mask for you?

Surgical masks and cloth masks are for members of the general public. They're more comfortable than N95 masks, though less protective. N95 masks are ONLY for healthcare workers. They are more protective, but extremely uncomfortable to wear.

how do you safely put on a mask?

how do you safely take off a mask?

what about face shields?

how do I properly store my mask?

how do I vote safely in person?