Face Coverings: How, When & Where to Wear Them | LA County Health Directives

The County of Los Angeles is regularly updating resources on COVID-19 and offers today's update in an effort to keep you and yours informed. Please share the following up-to-date information

MEDIA RELEASE:

Face Coverings: How To Wear Them

Have you wondered whether or not you’ve mastered the art of wearing a face covering correctly?

Today, we highlight the very things your face covering should do when you’re wearing it correctly. Before we *cover* these, please note: you always want to wash your hands before handling your face covering.

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Ok, here we go! You know you’re wearing your face covering like a pro, if your mask:

  1. Fits snugly but comfortably against the side of your face.
  2. Is secured with ties or ear loops.
  3. Includes multiple layers of fabric.
  4. Allows for breathing without restriction.
  5. Is able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
  6. Covers mouth and nose with no gaps between your face and the mask.

Also, while wearing your face covering be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth when removing your face covering. And you should wash your hands immediately after removing it.

If you’re more of a visual learner – you’re in luck! We’ve prepared the following for you:

CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO

And because many have run into the challenge of foggy glasses, while wearing face coverings, we offer you…

Tips for Avoiding Foggy Glasses When Wearing Your Face Covering:

  1. Wash your glasses with soapy water. Research has shown that washing glasses with soapy water, and letting them air dry before putting on your mask, reduces fogging.
  2. Use tissue paper. Placing tissue paper between your glasses and the bridge of your nose may help absorb the moisture that causes foggy glasses.

If you still have questions on face coverings, read LA County’s Department of Public Health (DPH) Guidance on Face Coverings or visit their website.

Face Coverings: When and Where To Wear Them

WHEN

LA County’s Health Officer Order does not require wearing face coverings while in the backyard or while on a solitary run or walk. County residents are required, however, to wear face coverings when in contact with other people who are not household members (whether you’re in a public or private space). So, if you’re on a solitary run or walk – and you see someone approaching – put on your face covering!

And remember: face coverings are not a substitute for always practicing physical distancing & frequent hand washing.

WHERE 

LA County’s Order is effective for all 10 million people who live in LA County. There is one circumstance, however, under which this may not be the case: when your local jurisdiction has a face covering order of their own.

A few of you have asked, “My city issued its own face covering order. Which order am I supposed to follow? The county’s or my city’s?” Where local jurisdictions have implemented face covering orders of their own, the stricter order will apply.

We urge you to contact your local jurisdiction by phone or online, to see if they’ve issued a face covering order of their own. If not, you’ll certainly want to abide by LA County’s Health Officer Order, in order to keep you and your loved ones safe.

For more information on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 emergency health crisis, visit covid19.lacounty.gov.