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How to wear a mask infographic
July 20, 2020

How to wear a mask

We all play a role in stopping the spread of COVID-19.  To keep our hospitals safe, everyone is required to wear a mask in our buildings. This is Hamilton Health Sciences’ policy, in accordance with provincial direction and consistent with Hamilton’s recent municipal bylaw on mandatory masking in enclosed public spaces.

Things you should know

  • Every mask has two sides: an outside that faces the world around you and an inside that should only ever touch the area on your face around your nose and mouth.
  • There are areas that should never touch the inside of your mask. That includes your neck, forehead and hands. It’s very tempting to want to sneak your hands inside your mask, but when you do that, you contaminate yourself.
  • Make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth.
  • Don’t wear your mask on your forehead or your neck.
  • If you’re going to store your mask on a surface, make sure you store it with the dirty side down. Don’t store it with the clean side down because then it will get contaminated. The other option is to hang your mask.
  • Remember that wearing a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing or washing your hands. Those are two very important safety measures to decrease your risk of contracting the virus.
  • Some masks can be reused. If you are going to reuse a mask, make sure it’s not soiled on the inside or outside.

Watch emergency pediatrician Dr. Anthony Crocco demonstrate how to wear a mask.


Watch this video on taking your mask on and off.