Wearing a face mask can reduce the risk of people who may be māuiui with a cold or the flu, or people who have COVID-19 but have no symptoms spreading the virus to others. A face mask can help stop infectious droplets spreading when they speak, laugh, cough or sneeze.  

 

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Using face masks effectively 

• Never share face masks with other people

• Face masks should not be worn by young children or anyone unable to remove the mask without assistance

• Face masks should not be worn by people who have difficulty with breathing

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How to safely put on a face mask

• Ensure your face mask is not damaged, is clean and dry

• Wash and dry your hands or use a hand sanitiser before putting your mask on

• Lace the mask over your nose and mouth and secure with ties or loops.  Make sure the mask fits snugly, moulded to your face and around your nose. 

• Make sure the masks fully covers your nose, mouth and chin.

• Your mask should be comfortable, with no gaps around the mask and your face, and allow you to breathe easily.

 

While wearing a face mask

• Don’t  touch the front of the face mask. If you do, wash and dry your hands thoroughly

• Avoid touching your face, as infection can still be introduced by touching your eyes or if you are not wearing your face mask correctly

• Face masks should not be moved during use. This includes pulling the mask up or down below your chin. 

• If you need to remove your mask (for example to eat) remove it safely, dispose of it appropriately (or wash if a home-made facial covering or cloth mask) and wash and dry your hands. 

• Replace the mask if it becomes damp, damaged or soiled.

 

How to safely remove a face mask

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitiser. 

• Remove the face mask from behind (do not touch the front of the mask) by untying the ties or removing the loops and pull it away from your face.

• Be careful not to touch your eyes , nose or mouth when removing your mask

• Clean or dispose of the mask appropriately (see the following).

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitiser. 

 

Safely disposing of single-use face mask

• Dispose in a closed rubbish bin or place into a bag and seal before putting into a rubbish tine or taking home

• After disposing, wash and dry your hands thoroughly or use a hand sanitiser

• Do not re-use or try to disinfect single-use disposable face masks

 

Cleaning home-made facial coverings or cloth masks

Wash the mask in a washing machine with detergent at 60 degrees Celsius 

After putting the mask in the washing machine.  Wash and dry your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitiser. 

Dry the mask completely before you use it again, Do not use a damp mask.  

 

 

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