Corona Mode

Wearing a mask to protect against coronavirus has become part of daily life for Marylanders.Show more

Though wearing a mask is one of the most important things you can do to prevent coronavirus infection, there are still many misunderstandings about:

How safe and effective masks are

How to use them properly

When and where masks are needed

Discover the facts behind the myths about coronavirus masks.

Cloth face masks are effective. They create a barrier between your mouth and nose and those around you. This makes it more difficult for the droplets that spread coronavirus through coughs, sneezes and talking to reach other people.

Different types of masks serve different purposes, but cloth masks are highly effective for the general public. The average person who is not working in a medical environment with COVID-19 patients should wear a cloth mask to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical workers.

Some people have suggested that carbon dioxide from exhaling gets trapped under the cloth and can make you sick. This isn't true. Properly fitted masks offer adequate airflow while still covering your nose and mouth. This makes the accumulation of carbon dioxide impossible.

However, people with breathing problems, children under age 2, and those who can't remove the mask without assistance should not wear one.

Wearing a mask correctly is the key to making it effective at preventing the spread of the coronavirus. According to the CDC, a cloth face mask needs to have the following in order to be effective:

Cover both your nose and mouthFit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the faceBe secured with ties or ear loopsHave multiple layers of fabricAllow for unrestricted breathingAble to be laundered and machine dried without damage or shape changes.