Wearing face masks

Face masks can protect you from breathing in germs. Face masks also can protect others from breathing in your germs if you're sick.

Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, fits your face without gaps, and is comfortable for you to wear all day.

When the germs that cause COVID-19 are spreading in your area, masks can lower the risk of infection. But some people may choose to wear masks at other times.

Schools can support masking in a few ways.

• Teach students and staff about why people may choose to wear a face mask.
• Accommodate people who can't wear masks due to a disability.
• Provide access to clear masks that allow for lip reading.

Don't place a face mask on a child younger than age 2 or a person with a disability who can't safely wear a mask. It can be hard to find a mask that fits a child's face so be prepared to try more than one if needed.

Some masks may have instructions on how to make them fit without gaps. And you may need to teach your child how to put the mask on or take it off correctly.