How to put on and take off a mask properly

The Victorian Chief Health Officer has asked that we wear face masks in enclosed spaces where it is hard to physical distance (such as in a shopping centre, essential workplace or supermarket) to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

RMH's Associate Professor Lou Irving, Head of our Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Service, and Michelle, a respiratory nurse, show you the right way to put on and take off a mask.

Michelle uses disposable (or surgical) masks here, but the same rules apply to cloth masks. However, you do not have to throw away a cloth mask. When you take off a cloth mask, store it in a plastic zip-lock bag until you can wash it.

You can include your cloth mask with your regular laundry in the washing machine, ensuring you use the warmest appropriate water setting and detergent for the cloth. You can flat dry the cloth mask or put it in the dryer on the hottest setting. In both cases, please make sure the mask is completely dry before storing away or reusing.

Masks should not replace physical distancing or proper hand hygeine. Please make sure you try to keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people at all times and wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitiser. Also avoid touching your face.

Thank you for helping us #StopTheSpread

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the general public is not going to do this.