Masks: COVID-19

Other languages

• Ntaub Npog Qhov Ncauj Qhov Ntswg: COVID-19 (Hmong)
• Waji-xirka: COVID-19 (Somali)
• Mascarillas: COVID-19 (Spanish)

Updated 6/14/2024

On this page:
When to wear a mask
Types of masks
How to wear a mask
More information

The virus that causes COVID-19 is generally spread from person to person through the air. Wearing masks helps to reduce passing this kind of virus (and other germs) between people in two ways:

• If you have COVID-19 and wear a mask, you help avoid passing germs to other people when you breathe out, cough, or sneeze.
• Wearing a mask helps to keep you from breathing in germs from other people that can make you sick.

When to wear a mask

• When you are getting over a COVID-19 infection, wearing a mask for 5 days can help protect others if:
  • You have been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without fever-reducing medications), and
  • Your symptoms have been getting better for at least 24 hours.
• When there is a lot of illness in your community that is spread through the air.
• If you or the people around you are at risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19.
• If you or the people around you were near someone who is sick with COVID-19 or who had it recently.
• If it helps you feel safer or you want to do what you can to avoid getting sick.

For additional details, visit:

Protect Yourself & Others: COVID-19

CDC: What’s happening near you. Protect yourself and others from Flu, COVID-19, and RSV

CDC: People with Certain Medical Conditions

Types of masks

• MDH recommends wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask to help protect against COVID-19. Examples of high-quality masks include N95 or KN95 masks, which are very good at blocking germs.
• If you do not have a high-quality mask like an N95 or KN95, wear a mask with two or more layers of tightly woven fabric. You can also layer a disposable mask under a cloth mask to give more protection. The cloth mask should press the edges of the disposable mask snugly against your face.
• Wearing a high-quality mask is even more important if you are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Look for masks with nose wires. They can make the mask fit better and help reduce gaps or holes.
• Avoid face coverings made of thinner, loosely woven, or single-layer fabric, such as certain types of masks, scarves, neck gaiters, or bandannas. They are not as good at blocking droplets that come out when speaking, coughing, or sneezing.

How to wear a mask

• Wash your hands before putting your mask on and after taking it off.
• A mask should cover the nose and mouth completely and fit snugly against your face without gaps. The mask should not be overly tight or restrictive and should feel comfortable to wear.
• For children 2 years and older, find a mask that is made for children to help ensure proper fit. Children under age 2 should NOT wear a mask.
• If you wear glasses, find a mask that fits closely over your nose or one that has a nose wire to help keep glasses from fogging up.
• Do not touch the mask while wearing it. If you have to touch or adjust your mask often that means it does not fit you properly and you may need to find a different mask or make adjustments.
• If you wear a cloth mask, wash it after each time you wear it.
• If reusing an N95 or KN95, store it in a paper bag. Do not wash an N95 or KN95 between uses. Read the instructions that came with your mask for information on when it should be replaced.
• Do not wear a mask that is dirty, damp, or damaged.

More information

• CDC: Masks and Respiratory Virus Protection
• Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center: How to Make an Accessible, Deaf-friendly Face Mask
• CDC: How to Use Your N95® Respirator
• CDC: Community Respirators and Masks
• How to Safely Wear Your Mask (video)
• Mask Do's and Don'ts - For Students (video)

Note: Health care settings like hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing homes have their own recommendations and requirements for masks. Follow any masking recommendations or requirements for the setting you are in.