CS 316651-A 05/04/2020

Important Information About Your Cloth Face Coverings

As COVID-19 continues to spread within the United States, CDC has recommended additional measures to prevent the spread 

of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In the context of community transmission, CDC recommends that you:

Stay at home as 

much as possible

Practice social distancing 

(remaining at least 6 feet 

away from others)

6 ft Clean your 

hands often

In addition, CDC also recommends that everyone wear cloth face coverings when leaving their homes, 

regardless of whether they have fever or symptoms of COVID-19. This is because of evidence that 

people with COVID-19 can spread the disease, even when they don’t have any symptoms. Cloth face 

coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is 

unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

How cloth face coverings work

Cloth face coverings prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when 

talking, sneezing, or coughing. If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as going 

to the grocery store, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 can be reduced for the community. Since people 

can spread the virus before symptoms start, or even if people never have symptoms, wearing a cloth face 

covering can protect others around you. Face coverings worn by others protect you from getting the virus 

from people carrying the virus.

How cloth face coverings are different from other types of masks

Cloth face coverings are NOT the same as the medical facemasks, surgical masks, or 

respirators (such as N95 respirators) worn by healthcare personnel, first responders, 

and workers in other industries. These masks and respirators are personal protective 

equipment (PPE). Medical PPE should be used by healthcare personnel and first 

responders for their protection. Healthcare personnel and first responders should not 

wear cloth face coverings instead of PPE when respirators or facemasks are indicated. N95 respirator Cloth covering

General considerations for the use of cloth face coverings

When using a cloth face covering, make sure:

• The mouth and nose are fully covered

• The covering fits snugly against the 

sides of the face so there are no gaps

• You do not have any difficulty 

breathing while wearing the cloth 

face covering

• The cloth face covering can be tied or 

otherwise secured to prevent slipping

Avoid touching your face as much as possible. Keep the covering 

clean. Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand 

sanitizer immediately, before putting on, after touching or 

adjusting, and after removing the cloth face covering. Don’t 

share it with anyone else unless it’s washed and dried first. 

You should be the only person handling your covering. 

Laundry instructions will depend on the cloth used to make 

the face covering. In general, cloth face coverings should 

be washed regularly (e.g., daily and whenever soiled) using 

water and a mild detergent, dried completely in a hot dryer, and 

stored in a clean container or bag. 

For more information, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html

cdc.gov/coronavirus