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How to Correctly Wear a Face Mask

July 7, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — cocodentalcenter @ 3:49 pm
woman correctly wearing a face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic

When a person is sick with COVID-19, it can take anywhere from two to 14 days for symptoms to start showing according to the CDC. This means that someone can spread the coronavirus to those around them for days or weeks before beginning to feel ill. If you can potentially be contagious with this dangerous sickness without realizing it, how can you protect the people you interact with in public places like the grocery store or coffee shop? One of the most important ways you can help stop the spread of germs during the COVID-19 pandemic is to properly wear a face mask—read on to find out how!

How Do Face Masks Protect Against COVID-19?

COVID-19 is primarily spread through infected respiratory droplets that are dispersed when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. If these particles come in contact with another person’s nose, mouth, or eyes, COVID-19 can be transmitted. Additionally, these infected droplets can also settle onto surrounding surfaces, like handrails, doorknobs, or countertops, where they can survive for hours or days at a time. Touching a contaminated surface will transfer these germs to your hands, which can then easily be introduced to your face.

Since most face masks don’t form an air-tight seal, social distancing is still the best way to protect yourself from the coronavirus. However, wearing a facemask prevents a sick person from spreading infected particles very far, which plays a key role in protecting the people around them. Even if you don’t feel sick, wearing a facemask may be able to keep others from getting sick. Additionally, it serves as an important reminder not to touch your face.

The Right Way to Wear a Face Mask

A face mask can only help prevent the spread of germs when worn correctly, so be sure to follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20-30 seconds before touching your mask.
  2. Pick up the mask by its ear loops, elastic bands, or strings, being careful not to touch any other part of the mask.
  3. Position the mask over your face. Always face the blue side or “outer layer” away from your mouth.
  4. Attach the mask to you head with the ear loops, elastic bands, or strings. If your mask has a bendable metal strip above the nose, mold it to your face for a tighter fit.
  5. Check to make sure your mask is fully covering both your mouth and nose.

What to Avoid When Wearing a Mask

Since infected particles can accumulate on parts of your mask, keep these precautions in mind while wearing one:

  • Don’t touch your mask once it’s in place.
  • If you do touch it, wash your hands directly afterwards.
  • Keep your mask around both your mouth and nose at all times.
  • Never dangle your mask from one ear or around your neck.
  • Always wash your hands before taking off your mask.

Remember, the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing and to stay home as much as possible. However, if you plan on going to a public area, you can help keep yourself and the community safe by wearing a face mask correctly.

About the Practice

At Coco Dental Care, we have always met and exceeded the strict sanitation standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep our practice germ-free. After closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, we have established 26 additional infection control protocols to safeguard the wellbeing of our patients, staff, and the community of Dallas, TX. Should you need to come in for care during the pandemic, you can feel confident that we are taking every precaution to keep you healthy. To learn more about our Commitment to Safety, we can be contacted via our website or at (972) 629-9339.