With Florida entering Phase 2 of reopening from COVID19, it is as important as ever for residents to continue to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. COVID-19 is still spreading in the community. Wearing cloth face coverings and maintaining social distancing by staying at least six feet away from other people when in public will slow the spread by preventing those who are infected but not experiencing symptoms from transmitting the virus to others. These important actions, along with frequent hand washing and staying home when feeling sick, will keep our community healthier.

When it comes to cloth face coverings, here are the do’s and don’ts:

Do…

* Clean your hands before touching the mask
* Inspect the mask for damage or if dirty
* Adjust the mask to your face without leaving gaps on the sides
* Cover your mouth, nose, and chin
* Avoid touching the mask after it is on
* Clean your hands before removing the mask
* Remove the mask by the straps behind the ears or head
* Pull the mask away from your face
* Store the mask in a clean plastic, resealable bag if it is not dirty or wet and you plan to re-use it
* Remove the mask by the straps when taking it out of the bag
* Wash the mask in soap or detergent, preferably with hot water, at least once a day
* Clean your hands after removing the mask

Don't…

*Use a mask that looks damaged
* Wear a loose mask
* Wear the mask under the nose
* Remove the mask where there are people with an arm length
* Use a mask that is difficult to breathe through
* Wear a dirty or wet mask
* Share your mask with others For more information about when and how to properly wear a mask, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

For more information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com and follow us on Twitter @HealthyPinellas.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.