Cloth Face Coverings
In addition to practicing social distancing, cloth face coverings help slow the spread of COVID-19 and help those who may unknowingly have the virus from transmitting it to others. Individuals should wear a mask or face covering when they must leave their home.
This guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health explains when to wear a mask and best practices for homemade masks or face coverings.
- The covering can be a scarf, a bandana, or a mask you make at home.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the mask. Make sure to wash your hands immediately after removing it. Clean the mask frequently by using a washing machine.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age two, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Cloth face coverings should:
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face and be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric and allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape