NEW DELHI: Going out to buy groceries or medicines? Don’t forget to don your mask. But masks, even the ones you’ve made at home with your favourite bandanna or scarf, are effective in fighting the coronavirus only if they are worn properly. Here are the dos and don’ts of wearing a mask.

Masks can protect you from an infection but don’t let it lull you into a false sense of security. Continue to maintain social distancing measures and follow lockdown guidelines. Always wash your hands before and after wearing a mask.

Don’t touch the front of the mask when you take it off. Only use the ties or loops to put your mask on and pull it off. Elevators and stairwells can be high-contamination areas. Put the mask on and remove it while inside your home. Wash and dry your cloth mask daily and keep it in a clean, dry place.

Source: NYT, Illustration: Sajeev Kumarapuram