When to use a mask?

1. If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
2. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

3. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
4. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

How to put on a mask?

1. Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
2. Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.The coloured side of the mask face outwards with the metallic strip uppermost. For those masks without a coloured side, the side with folds facing downwards on the outside.

3. For tie-on surgical mask, secure upper tie at the crown of head. Then secure lower tie at the nape. For ear-loops type, position the elastic bands around both ears.

4. Mould the metallic strip over nose bridge.

5. Extend the mask to fully cover mouth, nose and chin.

How to take off and dispose of a mask?

1. Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
2. Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
3. To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.