Before and after you put on your mask, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser containing more than 60% alcohol. While wearing a mask, you should continue to wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your face or the mask. When you go out, carry a paper bag or zip-lock (plastic) bag with you to keep fresh or spare masks clean. You can take your face mask off when eating or drinking. You should maintain physical distancing of 1.5m and practise good hygiene. If you need to take a mask off for eating or drinking, it’s best if you put on a new face mask. If this isn’t possible, clean your hands before and after touching it. How to wear a mask — video Cloth mask It’s preferable for cloth masks to have 3 layers. A cloth mask should cover your nose and mouth. It should fit securely on your face with either ear loops or mask strings tied into a bow at the back of your head. You should change a cloth mask as soon as it becomes visibly wet or dirty. After taking your mask off, store it in a plastic bag until you can wash it. Surgical mask (single use) Before putting it on, check for tears. If undamaged, position the coloured side of the mask outward. If the mask has a metallic strip, make sure it sits against the bridge of your nose. Replace a surgical mask with a new one if it becomes soiled or damp. Do not reuse single-use masks. Mask fastening Ear loop mask Hold the mask by both ear loops and place one over each ear. Tie mask Hold the mask by the upper strings. Tie the upper strings together near the crown of your head. Tie the lower strings near the nape of your neck. Dual-elastic band masks Pull the lower band over your head to the nape of your neck. Pull the upper band over your head to the crown of your head. If your mask has a metallic strip, pinch and press it to mould to your nose shape. Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin so it fits securely. Don’t touch your mask or face once you have put it on. Download this infographic in PDF format to print it infographic on how to wear a mask Read the embedded text separately Taking off your mask Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Don't touch the front of the mask. Use the ear loops or untie the bow to remove it. If your mask has a pair of ties, undo the bottom one first, then the top. Cloth mask Dispose of any filters. Put your mask in the laundry straight away or a plastic bag until you can wash it. Make sure you dispose of the bag. Surgical mask Dispose of your surgical mask immediately and responsibly. Clean your hands after you remove your cloth or surgical mask. Download this infographic in PDF format to print it Click to check how to wash a cloth mask.