FAQs About Face Coverings

This information has been reviewed by Brigette Davila, BSN, RN, Infection Preventionist, Eisenhower Health.

1. Why should I wear a face covering?

With the knowledge that COVID-19 is community spread and that some people who have COVID-19 are asymptomatic but still shedding the virus, it’s important that everyone uses social distancing and stays safer at home to contain the spread of the virus. When out for essential needs, wearing a face-covering helps reduce the chance of spread by adding a barrier between you and others. Wearing a face covering also helps you keep your hands away from your face.

2. Don’t I need the same kind of masks as the ones worn by health care providers?

No. Frontline providers wear the N95 masks and other filtered masks to protect them while in close contact with sick patients. Masks should be reserved for health care workers who are experiencing a shortage of critical PPE. The goal of wearing a face-covering in public is to reduce the virus's potential spread with sneezing, coughing, or even talking. A bandana, cloth mask, or other barriers covering the nose and mouth is sufficient when people are out of the home for essential needs, which should still be limited as much as possible.

3. What’s the correct way to handle my face covering?

Every time you handle your face covering – before you put it on and remove it - you need to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Only touch the ties or elastic used to secure your face covering. Never touch the front of your mask, as that is the area most likely to be contaminated. If you touch the front of your mask, wash your hands. Think of your mask as being contaminated from the time you put it on. If you remove it to eat or drink, set it on a clean paper towel or in a clean plastic container that you can wash later with hot, soapy water. Do not share your mask with others. Please see our video about the appropriate removal of face coverings and gloves. (Gloves have not yet been recommended, but we have seen them used in the community and offer guidance for appropriate removal to reduce potential exposure.)

4. How often should I wash my cloth/reusable face covering?

Wash it daily at a minimum. It’s a good idea to have several clean face coverings available so you can change them as needed, allowing you time to wash and dry the face coverings you have worn.

5. Does wearing a face-covering mean I can start to spend time out of my house or have friends over?

No. Social distancing measures are best for minimizing the spread of the virus. Please remember that you may be saving others’ lives, not just your own. Frequent hand washing, not touching your face, and social distancing are essential to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Source: Pamela Price