Masks: Dos & Don’ts

It is easy to be confused by guidance that changes over time or differs by state or even by county, but it is still a good idea to wear a well-fitted mask in public, especially if you have not been vaccinated. Wearing a mask can help maximize protection from circulating variants and can help prevent spreading the virus to others. COVID-19 is still circulating, and people are still getting sick and dying.

Even if you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends wearing a mask:

on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation
in some healthcare settings
in schools (K-12)
indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission
where required by laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance

Even if you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, you may want to continue to wear a mask if you or someone in your family has a weakened immune system or is unvaccinated. It is also important to continue to wash hands frequently, cover coughs/sneezes, and stay home when sick.

Dos	Don’ts
Do wear a face mask in public around others who do not live in your household	Don’t stop social distancing (stay at least 6 feet apart)
Do wear a mask that fits snuggly from nose to chin	Don’t wear your mask below the nose, around your neck, or on your forehead
Do stay at least 6 feet apart from others in public	Don’t take your mask off in public if you are within 6 feet of others
Do wash cloth masks daily or when soiled	Don’t continue to use a mask that is dirty, damaged, or ripped
Do wash your hands frequently	Don’t touch your mask more than necessary
Do wear a mask consistently and correctly to stop respiratory droplets from getting inside or escaping from your mask	Don’t use a single-layer cloth mask or other loose-fitting mask