How to wear a face mask to best protect yourself from COVID-19

As the highly-infectious Delta COVID-19 variant forces parts of Australia to lock down, experts say it’s more important than ever to ensure that you are wearing a mask correctly.

Australian Medical Association NSW president Dr Danielle McMullen says it is common to see people wearing masks around their necks instead of on their faces.

“This is as about as useless as putting on a scarf. And the other thing is just covering your mouth isn't good enough,” she said.

Meanwhile, a scientist who has studied the benefits of mask wearing says many Australians are wearing ill-fitting surgical masks.

“They have a huge hole on the sides and the important thing to remember is that COVID is airborne, it’s in the air, so when you breathe in it goes in through those sides," said Jeremy Howard from the University of San Francisco.

He said tying knots in the side of a surgical mask could make it more effective, but P2-style masks were even better.

Doctors say surgical and cloth masks are fine for the general public and Dr McMullen is recommending that people wear masks outdoors.

Australia's Department of Health advises people to:

Wash or sanitise your hands before putting your mask on or taking it off.

Make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face.

Do not touch the front of your mask while wearing or removing it.

Do not allow the mask to hang around your neck or under your nose.

Do not reuse single-use masks; wash and dry reusable masks after use and store in a clean dry place.

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