Dr Vielemeyer said: "We are two years into the epidemic and it is still not over. We will continue to need to protect ourselves and others in many ways, including the use of masks. Therefore, it is a good idea to develop safe and reasonable mask wearing habits."

Choose the right mask

For low-risk activities, such as walking or participating in uncrowded outdoor activities, there is no problem with wearing a fabric mask with two or more layers made of cotton or similar material, Dr. Vielemeyer said. But for more protection, surgical masks, also known as surgical masks, are a better choice, provided they fit around the face. Both types provide physical barriers that help reduce the spread of the virus through droplets from the nose and mouth, but allow breathing through the cloth. To improve the effectiveness and fit of the mask, you can wear a double mask, namely a cloth mask over a surgical mask.

For optimal protection, high-filter respirators like KN95, N95, and KF94 are the most protective, even against inhaling tiny airborne particles. Dr Vielemeyer said that while respirators were scarce at the start of the pandemic and needed to be reserved for health care workers, they were fortunately in plentiful supply again. He recommends using a respirator in high-risk situations, where prolonged exposure is possible, such as on an airplane, subway or train; Caring for COVID patients; Or in crowded indoor Spaces; Or if you have a low immunity or a health condition that puts you at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19.

Don't wear headscarves

Do not wear headscarves and single layer neck guards, and do not use scarves as masks. Masks with valves or vents are also discouraged, as they do not prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. While the mask may protect you, respiratory droplets from the wearer may be emitted into the air and may reach other people.

Cover your nose and mouth with a fitted mask

The purpose of masks is to provide a barrier between the respiratory system and the outside world. Therefore, the mask must cover the nose and mouth, and it must be tightly but comfortably attached to the face. Many masks come in different sizes, including children's, and you should pick the one that works best for you. Masks that are too small, and masks that are too large with a gap between the face and the mask, are not effective.

If the surgical mask is too loose, tie a knot around the earring to make it fit better. Cloth masks should have adjustable earmuffs or straps to ensure that they always fit the face. Wearing a surgical mask under a cloth mask can also improve the fit, and choose a mask with an adjustable nose line to reduce gaps at the top. Masks that are too small or poorly designed to cover both nose and mouth should not be worn. It is also important to choose the right size so that the mask can be worn for a long time without discomfort.

While it is common to see people wearing masks that cover only the mouth, this offers little protection to the wearer or anyone else.

Put on and remove the mask correctly

Clean your hands before putting on the mask. When you get home, wash your hands before removing your mask, remove it from behind and handle it through earmuffs or straps. Be sure to discard the mask or, if cloth masks are used, store them in a special safe location, such as a resealable bag, before washing. If there are several family members, make sure that only you handle your own masks.

Don't touch it after you put the mask on

Making sure the mask fits properly means you don't have to adjust it later, and handling the mask with dirty hands can contaminate the mask, as well as your hands. Resist the urge to repeatedly touch your face or mask, even if your skin feels itchy. Most of the time, even without scratching, the itch will go away.It's useful to keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket in case you have to touch the mask.

Deliver the right message

Dr Vielemeyer said: "We are entering the third year of the epidemic when a new, highly infectious variant is raging. When everyone, young or old, vaccinated or not, wears a mask, a mask can be a symbol of coming back from isolation, of coming together, of knowing how much we are all in this together."