The Importance of Wearing A Mask
The Importance of Wearing A MaskWear a mask to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from COVID-19. COVID-19, orCoronavirus, is spread through tiny droplets from the nose and mouth of one person traveling to anotherperson. When a person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, these droplets can travel up to six feet, and possiblyfurther, increasing the chance of infecting others. And Covid-19 can be spread by people who don’t have anysymptoms or know they are infected.But a mask works as a barrier, stopping these droplets from traveling. That’s why it is so important to wear amask. Wearing a mask is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and others from the spread ofcoronavirus.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people 2 years old and older wear masks inpublic and when you around people who do not live in your home, especially when social distancing is hard todo.You should also wear a mask if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you may be sick and when caring for asick loved one in your home. A mask only works as a barrier of protection if you wear it correctly. Beforeputting on your mask, wash your hands.Choose a mask with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric. Make sure your mask completelycovers your nose and mouth and fits snugly against the side of your face without gaps. Make sure your mask issecure under your chin.If you wear eyeglasses, find a mask that fits closely over your nose or one that has a nose wire to limit fogging.For children 2 years and older, try to find a mask that is made specifically for children. If you cannot find amask made for children, make sure it fits snugly over their nose and mouth and under the chin.Do not choose a mask made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe, for example vinyl. Do not use masks withone-way valves or vents, which allows virus particles to escape. And do not wear masks intended forhealthcare workers and first responders including N95 masks or surgical masks. These masks are critical forhealthcare workers and others to do their jobs.Masks should not be worn by anyone who has trouble breathing or anyone who cannot take off their maskwithout help from another person. In cases where masks cannot be worn, make sure to practice other safetymeasures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 including social distancing, washing your hands often, andcleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.When worn correctly and consistently masks are the best protection against COVID-19 for you, your lovedones, and your community. For more information on masks, visit www.cdc.gov.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER60256A EN TheImportanceOfWearingAMask.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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