A mask should cover the nose and mouth completely and fit snugly against your face without gaps. The mask should not be overly tight or restrictive and should feel comfortable to wear. Avoid face coverings made of thinner, loosely woven, or single-layer fabric such as certain types of masks, scarves, neck gaiters, or bandannas. They are not as effective for blocking droplets that come out when speaking, coughing, or sneezing. If you wear a scarf or neck gaiter for warmth, also wear a mask underneath it.
If your cloth mask is dry and clean, you can store it in a breathable bag to keep it clean between uses in the same day. Wearing a well-fitting mask while you travel can help protect you and others. Parents and caregivers may have questions about NIOSH-approved respirators , and international respirators for children.
Everyone should assess their own personal risk when making this decision. Agencies must require that individuals wear masks when in government-operated aircraft, boats and other maritime transportation conveyances, and buses with multiple occupants. Mask-wearing is not required for outdoor areas of conveyances, if any. Mask-wearing in these conveyances is not required if there is a single occupant or if the occupants are all co-habitants. In government-operated vans, cars, trucks, and other motor pool passenger vehicles, agencies must recommend that individuals wear masks when there are multiple occupants. They’re not the best option, but they do give you protection and are better than wearing no mask.
You may choose to wear a mask or respirator that offers greater protection in certain situations, such as when you are with people at higher risk for severe illness, or if you are at higher risk for severe illness. Here is a guide to help you understand the differences between the two types of masks that WHO recommends to help prevent the spread and transmission face mask of COVID-19. The state Department of Health and Human Services recommends people wear face coverings in public when unable to maintain social distancing. Local indoor mask orders in Omaha and Lincoln were lifted in mid-February. The Mississippi State Department of Health recommends face-covering in all indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
This is due in large part to the collective efforts of Californians to get vaccinated, get boosted, and wear masks indoors. The mask requirement has been lifted, though masks remain required in certain healthcare and congregate settings. Masks are also required regardless of vaccination status in certain settings, including while in health care facilities.
Masks are also still required on all forms of public transportation such as planes, buses, and trains. You may be able to get a NIOSH-approved N95 mask for free. The HRSA Health Center COVID-19 N95 Mask Program is also providing NIOSH-approved N95 respirator masks to health centers across the country. The program will offer up to three of these masks per person for free.
All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should also wear a mask during isolation and quarantine periods to stop further community spread. Gov. Pedro Pierluisi lifted the territory’s Medical masks face-covering mandate March 10. The order, which had been in place since July 28, required people age 2 and over to mask up in public places indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Use a clean brush to apply the face mask on your face gently and evenly until the texture is smooth. Always check the directions for each face mask to ensure it is applied properly. You can also multi-mask, which is applying different masks to specific areas of the skin to address different concerns.