Officials offer guidance on how to properly wear a homemade face mask

Pennsylvania officials last week asked all residents to wear homemade face masks if they leave their homes to help prevent the spread of covid-19.

But are they wearing them the right way to protect themselves and others?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the use of homemade cloth face coverings for people going out in public, particularly in places such as pharmacies and grocery stores where social distancing measures can be difficult to maintain.

The purpose of the masks, which should cover your nose and mouth, is to protect people around you. Many people who are infected with covid-19 do not show symptoms.

My mask protects you, your mask protects me ?

Homemade masks protect everyone else from droplets created by the wearer.

Please stay home, but if you must leave the house, wear a mask.#StayHomePA #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/jsMvnuFqPt

— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) April 6, 2020

Homemade masks can be made out of materials such as cotton strips, T-shirts and bandanas. Officials say members of the public don’t need to wear medical-grade masks, such as surgical masks or N95 masks. Those should be saved for health care workers.

Homemade masks can be an effective complement to handwashing, social-distancing + other mitigation measures.

You don’t need a surgical mask or N95— we need those for health care workers and first responders.

Learn about the different types of masks + who should use them ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/kX1zp2UxDi

— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) April 5, 2020

According to the CDC, homemade masks 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, and be able to be washed and dried without damaging their shape.

They’re not recommended for children under 2 years old or for anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove a mask without help.

Nate Wardle, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, said homemade masks can be cleaned by hand or a washing machine. They should be washed after every trip outside because they have the potential to become contaminated.

If washing by hand, use warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with water to ensure both sides and straps have been rinsed. Then, air dry fully, preferably by hanging to ensure both sides dry.

If using a washing machine, use hot water and regular detergent. The masks should then be dried completely on the hot setting as well. Using high temperatures will help to kill any germs or bacteria.

Homemade masks should be put on immediately after hand-washing in order to prevent contamination, Wardle said. People should try to avoid touching the front of a mask when removing it, and wash their hands immediately in order to prevent contamination, Wardle said.

The CDC said people should avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face mask, and wash their hands immediately after.