How to Properly Wear a Face Mask

Everyone is required to wear a face mask in a Minnesota Oncology clinic. Wearing a face mask in public helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 — but only if worn properly, covering both your nose and mouth. Read our mask-wearing tips to get the maximum protection for yourself and others.

Follow these guidelines to properly wear your face mask:

  • Wash your hands before and after touching the mask.
  • Touch only the bands or ties when putting on and taking off your mask.
  • Make sure the mask fits to cover your nose, mouth and chin. If you adjust the mask to cover those areas, wash your hands before and after.
  • Make sure you can breathe and talk comfortably through your mask.
  • Wash reusable masks after each use. If the mask is disposable, discard it when visibly soiled or damaged.

To protect yourself and others, avoid these common mask-wearing mistakes:

  • We do not recommend wearing bandanas, gaiters or masks with exhalation valves as face coverings.
  • Don’t wear the mask under your chin with your nose and mouth exposed.
  • Don’t leave your nose or mouth uncovered.
  • Don’t remove the mask while around others in public.
  • Don’t share your mask with family members or friends.

How to Choose a Face Mask

Caution: Gaiters & Face Shields are Not Proper Masks

How NOT to Wear a Mask:

How to Properly Remove a Mask:

For more information on face masks, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

 

 

Share

Categories

Tags

Recent Posts

#
September 23, 2026

Learn about thyroid cancer, including common signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Learn when to talk with your doctor about concerning symptoms.

#
September 17, 2026

Julie Sowles shares her journey with Stage IV endometrial cancer, from her initial diagnosis and intensive treatment to recurrence and participation in clinical trials. With the support of her family and care team at Minnesota Oncology, Julie continues exploring new treatment options and looking toward the future with hope.

default-thumbnail.jpg
September 15, 2026

Learn how inherited genetic factors and family history may affect your risk of ovarian cancer, including the role of BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome, and when genetic counseling or testing may be recommended.