How To Properly Remove And Dispose Of Your Face Mask

Your face mask is your protective gear but it can also be a deadly weapon when it is not being disposed the right way. Did you know that improper disposure of your face mask can result in exposure of germs to other people as well as yourself? Research have shown that the COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for a few hours or even up to several days. Leaving such surfaces exposed or coming into contact with it will increase the risk of catching the virus.

Here are 4 easy steps to dispose your mask properly.

Step 1

Step 2

Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly. If it is inconvenient to do so, do at least clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. *It is important that you do not touch the front of your mask where exposure to bacteria is the highest.

With clean hands, hold on to the straps or loops of your mask at your ear.

Step 3

Step 4

Handle only the straps and pull the mask over your ears with your thumb and fingers. For all other types of masks, pull it simultaneously over the back of your head, and under the chin. *Be careful not to slide your mask under your chin as germs can attach to the inside of your mask. Ensure that you are pulling the mask away from under your chin.

Discard your mask into an enclosed bin. Do dispose your mask by holding onto the straps only.

Living in a community means we are all responsible in keeping a lookout for one another. Your health is our concern and the health of all depends on each one of us. Let us all do our part and help to keep each other safe in these times of need.