Wearing a surgical mask

Video Transcript

Wearing a surgical mask

Choose a mask of appropriate size. Face the coloured side of the mask outwards, with the metallic strip faced upward.

For masks with same colour on both sides, face the side with folds pointing downward and outward.

For ear-loops mask, position the elastic bands around both ears. For tie-on mask, secure upper tie at the crown of head. Then secure lower tie at the nape. Mould the metallic strip over the nose bridge. Extend the mask and ensure it can fully cover the mouth, nose, chin and fit snugly over the face.

Avoid touching the surface of the mask after wearing it. If we must touch the mask, perform hand hygiene before and after touching it.

Removing a surgical mask

To remove ear-loop mask, loosen the ear loops.

To remove tie-on mask, untie at the nape first, then untie at the crown of head.

While taking off the mask, avoid touching the surface of the mask. Instead, hold the ear loops or ties only. Persons with spectacles should loosen and pull the ear loops downwards to avoid ear loops being trapped within the arms of the spectacles.

Source of materials: Centre for Health Protection
Copyright: HKSAR Government