According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mask you wear should cover your nose and mouth completely. It should hold the area around your ears or head tightly for a perfect fit. Putting on your face mask incorrectly exposes you and others to the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Check out some incorrect mask-wearing techniques you should avoid:

Wearing a mask with a hole or exposed nose

If you create a hoe in the mask you are wearing for whatever reason or expose your nose or mouth while wearing a mask, know that you are compromising your protection. You need a mask during this COVID-19 pandemic to cover your nose and mouth fully so that you can neither receive nor spread the virus if you are infected. This can happen through coughing, sneezing or talking.

Hanging your mask off one ear or lowering it to your chin

Having your mask hanging off one ear leaves your nose and mouth exposed. Also, many people are guilty of lowering their masks to their chin. If you can’t social distance, wear your face mask properly to protect yourself and others.

Basics of how to wear a mask properly:

• Clean your hands before you wear your face mask as well as before and after you remove it.
• Ensure that it covers your mouth, nose, and chin and fits you tightly.

Below are some important specifics on the type of face mask to wear.

• Wear a fabric mask except if you are in a specific risk group. This applies specifically to people who cannot stay physically distanced, especially in crowded areas and indoor settings with poor ventilation.

Wear a surgical mask if you:

• Are 60 years old and above
• Have an underlying medical condition
• Are feeling ill, and/or
• Are taking care of an ill person

Make a conscious effort to always wear your mask correctly and follow all other safety measures against COVID-19 like regular social distancing and hand-washing.