Monday, April 6, 2020
How to Wear Fabric Face Masks
Guidelines for Use Provided by CDC
Fabric face masks and coverings should:
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
Should fabric face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?
- Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.
- If masks will be worn for long periods of time, they may become dirty from perspiration or splashes. Therefore, frequent wash will be necessary.
- Wash when mask becomes dirty or damp from perspiration.
- Washing machine laundering suffices for cleaning fabric masks.
Handling your mask
- Wash your hands before putting on your mask.
- Apply the mask by holding the ear loops and hook the loops over your ears. Do not touch the inside of your mask.
- Adjust the mask to cover nose and extend down to the chin.
- Wash your hands before taking off your mask.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing your mask and remove touching only the ear loops with clean hands.
- Fold the inside of your mask that touches your face on itself when you are taking a break from wearing it and store the mask in a clean bag for further use.
- Prior to reapplying your mask, wash your hands and do not touch the inside of your mask, or your eyes, nose, or mouth while reapplying your mask.
Thank you to everyone who has been sewing fabric masks and donating them to JAA. Keep em comin! Everyone at the JAA is wearing masks now, even non-clinical staff who are donning the beautiful hand-made versions you are sending. To donate, send to Sew On and Sew Forth, attn Jen McCay, 200 JHF Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15217. Email Jen with any questions you have at jmccay@jaapgh.org