Taking off a Mask

Before taking off your face mask ensure your hands are properly clean using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

1. To remove your mask, lean forward and pull the lower elastic up over the head avoiding contact with the front of the mask (figure 1).

2. Still leaning forward, lift the upper elastic up over your head pulling the mask away from your face (figure 2).

3. By using the inside surface of your mask, fold it in half so that the outside contaminated surface is contained within the fold (figure 3). This can then be placed in a paper bag until it can be washed (cloth masks), or to dry out, if you are planning extended use of a medical mask or respirator.

4. Ensure your hands are properly clean using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To take off an earloop mask, start at the top of the loop and run your finger up, over and behind your ear.  Starting at the top will prevent it getting hooked on the frame of glasses, sunglasses or eye protection.