- A cloth face mask should ideally be made out of multiple layers of a pre-washed tight-weave non-stretch cotton material.
- The mask should cover both nose and mouth and fit snugly but comfortably. It should be breathable.
- Cloth face masks should be laundered or washed routinely depending on frequency of use. Laundry detergent/soap and water are adequate to kill the virus, due to their ability to break apart the fat layer (lipid envelope) protecting the virus.
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the face mask and wash hands immediately after removing.
- Cloth masks should not be worn by children under 2 years, have severe intellectual or respiratory impairment, or by those who are unable to remove the mask without assistance. Supervise children under 4 years of age when wearing a face mask. Masks should not be worn around the neck.