​Why wear a mask?

​Germs can be transmitted by respiratory droplets over a short distance or through direct contact with a patient's secretions. When someone talks, coughs, or sneezes they may release tiny virus-laden droplets into the air that can infect others. Wearing a mask offers protection against infections from microbes such as novel coronavirus. 
​Wearing a mask not only helps filter out virus laden droplets in the external environment for healthy individuals, but also helps limit the spread of germs. If someone has a contagious respiratory tract infection, wearing face mask can help reduce the number of germs that the wearer releases and can protect other people from becoming sick. A face mask also protects the wearer’s nose and mouth from splashes or sprays of body fluids.

How to put on a face mask
  • Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitiser before touching the mask.
  • Take a mask from the box and make sure there are no obvious tears or holes on either side of the mask.
  • Determine which side of the mask is the top: the side of the mask that has a stiff bendable edge is the top and is meant to mold to the shape of your nose. 
  • Determine which side of the mask is the front: The coloured side of the mask is the front and should face away from you, while the white side touches your face.
  • Hold the mask by the ear loops. Place a loop around each ear.
  • Mold or pinch the stiff edge to the shape of your nose.
  • Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.
  • Try not to touch the mask once it is secured on your face as frequent handling may reduce its protection. If you must do so, wash your hands before and after touching the mask. 

Removing a face mask

  • Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser before touching the mask.
  • Avoid touching the front of the mask. The front of the mask is contaminated. Only touch the ear loops.
  • Hold both of the ear loops and gently lift and remove the mask.
  • After taking off the mask, fold the mask outwards (i.e. the outside of the mask facing inwards), then put the mask in the trash and preferably into a plastic or paper bag before putting it into a rubbish bin with a lid.
  • Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol- based hand sanitiser.

Guide to wearing a face mask

View this helpful guide from the WHO about wearing masks.