Fight the virus – How you can help and protect yourself

Masks are a key measure to reduce transmission and save lives. Wear a mask can help and protect yourself.

Should I use a mask?

Health experts recommend that in areas with high community transmission, masks should be worn if physical distancing is not possible.
Wearing a mask can protect you from droplets (small droplets) of disease when an infected person coughs, talks or sneezes within 1.5 meters of you. Wearing a mask can also help protect others if you have the virus but have no symptoms.

When considering whether to wear a mask, consider the following:
• Masks can protect you when you cannot keep 1.5 meters away from others, such as in crowded buses, trains, or shopping malls.
• Are you an elderly person? Or have other medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory disease? People in these groups may develop more severe diseases if infected with the virus.
• Wearing a mask can reduce droplet transmission to others when coughing and sneezing (however, if you have a cold or flu-like symptoms or feel unwell, you should stay home)

What can you do to prevent the spread of the virus?

Stopping the spread of the virus is everyone’s responsibility. The most important things you can do to protect yourself and others are:
• If you are unwell, even with mild respiratory symptoms, you should stay at home
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• don’t touch your face
• Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses
• Stay at least 1.5 meters away from other people (physical distancing)
• Cover your mouth with your elbow or a tissue when you cough. Throw away the tissue immediately afterward.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when wearing a mask:

How to wear a mask:
1. Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Hold the strap or ear loop of the mask, then tie the strap on your head, or put the ear loop on your ear.
3. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a mask, there should be no gap between your face and the mask, and then press the nose strip around your nose.
4. When wearing a mask, do not touch the front of the mask.

How to remove the mask
1. Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Pull the straps or ear loops straight forward to separate the mask from your face and remove the mask from behind your head.
3. Throw the mask in the trash can.
4. Wash hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

How to choose a mask
Wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you. You can use a cloth mask or surgical mask. Surgical masks can only be used once. Cloth masks can be washed and reused. Face coverings, such as scarves, are not necessarily equally protective.
You can buy a mask, make your own cloth mask that completely covers your mouth and nose, or use a face covering.
Always wash your hands and avoid touching your face when putting on or removing a mask or shield. Wash or safely dispose of cloth masks or shields after each use.