How to wear a face covering

Even if you do wear a face covering when in enclosed public spaces, it is still important to observe other measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. These include:

• social distancing
• washing your hands properly and often
• using a hand sanitiser
• avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette
• staying home if you are sick

• wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face covering
• ensure the face covering has no holes or tears
• ensure the face covering is made from a material you are comfortable wearing
• if your face covering has ear loops, hold the covering by the ear loops and put the loops around each ear
• if your face covering has ties, hold the covering by the ties and bring the covering to your nose and tie securely
• place the face covering securely over your mouth and nose, ensure there are no gaps
• ensure you can breathe easily
• carry spare face coverings 

• avoid touching your face covering while wearing it
• do not use a wet or soiled face covering
• do not wear a loose-fitting face covering
• do not rest the face covering around your neck or on your forehead
• do not share face coverings with other people
• when speaking do not lower your face covering
• avoid discarding face coverings in public places, face coverings should be disposed of safely and hygienically

• when you are home, take your face covering off safely
• handle your face covering by the ear loops or ties only
• do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing your face covering
• wash your hands immediately after removing your face covering

• young children
• people who have trouble breathing
• people who are unconscious or incapacitated
• people who cannot remove a face covering without help