Publication
When to wear face masks and how to make them
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
With effect from Monday 28 February 2022, the mandatory requirement to wear masks has been removed. The public health advice remains that masks should continue to be worn on public transport and in healthcare settings.
Mask wearing is also advised based on individual risk assessment. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should not be discouraged from doing so. Vulnerable individuals are advised to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, such as social gatherings or other activities and events.
Wearing a face mask not only helps protect you, but also prevents people who do not know they have COVID-19 from spreading it to others.
If you wear one, you should still do the important things necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.
These include:
Wearing a medical grade face mask instead of a cloth mask is advised for greater protection against COVID-19.
There are many different types of masks available to you:
A medical grade mask, if properly worn, offers greater protection than cloth masks.
A medical grade mask, also known as a surgical mask, is a three-layered, disposable mask. The masks are typically blue or white coloured, labelled as ‘medical’ and carry a CE marking.
Any mask you choose should be well-fitted and worn properly.
A respirator /FFP2 mask is a multi-layered mask and has similar filtration values as a medical grade mask.
Respirators provide a tight fit around the wearer’s face and are particularly effective against aerosol transmission. If a respirator, or any face mask, is loose fitting or not worn correctly, it will not offer the same level of protection.
Wearing a cloth face mask in public may reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community. It may help to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets from people infected with COVID-19. They are usually made from cotton or silk and should have at least 2 layers of fabric.
All types of masks, including cloth masks, can significantly reduce community transmission if properly made, well fitted, and appropriately worn.
Face shields and visors are generally not an appropriate type of face mask but people who might have difficulties breathing or a disability or another specific reasonable excuse may wear a face shield or visor instead of a face mask.
If you have COVID-19 or have symptoms of the virus, you must self-isolate. Do this even if you wear a face mask.
It is recommended that the following groups wear a medical grade or FFP2 mask where possible and not a cloth mask:
Face masks are no longer mandatory, but you should still wear masks:
Mask wearing is also advised based on individual risk assessment. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should not be discouraged from doing so. Vulnerable individuals are advised to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, such as social gatherings or other activities and events.
Face masks are not recommended for anyone who:
In these cases, if the person can wear a visor, it will give them some protection. But these are the only times when you should wear a visor. Cloth face masks are a better way to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Face masks are made from cloth materials such as cotton, silk, or linen.
You can buy them or make them at home using items such as scarfs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels.
You should throw out a cloth face mask when it:
Do:
Don't:
To take it off properly: