Should You Wear a Mask in Public?

Yes. Many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, which means they are not experiencing symptoms of the illness. In other words, you can be infected and not know it.

If you have the virus, the mask will keep your droplets – which come out when you breathe, talk or cough – close to you. And if you and another person you interact with both wear masks, that will cut down on the chance of either person being infected. The risk is further lowered if you can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and the other person.

Protect yourself and others by wearing the most protective, well-fitting mask that you will wear consistently. We have always been a proponent of wearing a mask, a critical public health tool. In the current omicron environment, KN95 or N95 masks are recommended. Another option is to layer a cloth mask over a procedural mask. And above all, any mask is better than no mask.

Learn more about different types of masks and how to best wear them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when and where to wear a mask depends on your COVID-19 Community Level. As masks offer protection against all variants, the CDC recommends everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask when in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission. Learn more about COVID-19 Community Levels.

It's important to touch your mask as little as possible after you put it on. But it is difficult to keep it on for prolonged periods, especially when the weather is warm. If you are running errands and can keep your mask on without manipulating it, that would be best. If you do have to remove it in the car, keep some hand sanitizer with you and use it before removing your mask. Clean your hands again before replacing the mask.

Leaving it on the dash for a while may be OK, as the sun’s ultraviolet rays can kill microorganisms like the virus. But it is essential you wear a clean mask.

It can be OK, as long as the hair stylist is also wearing a mask. Both of you should make sure you perform good hand hygiene before the appointment begins. Using freshly cleaned capes or gowns for every client is helpful. And all equipment should be sanitized between clients.

Don't manipulate your mask during the appointment. Clean your hands again when you return to your car. And, finally, if either you or the stylist has symptoms or is ill, do not keep that appointment. It may be difficult to ask your stylist if they have any symptoms, but it's the right thing to do.

Follow these same guidelines with any appointment that puts you and another person in close proximity for longer than 10 minutes.

No. Wearing a mask is safe. There are some common beliefs about masks that are not true. For example, carbon dioxide does not build up when you wear a mask. Carbon dioxide diffuses easily through the mask. Also, wearing a mask will not weaken your immune system. These misconceptions can be put to rest. We encourage the use of masks when out in public or when physical distancing is not possible. Covering the mouth and nose reduces the spread of germs.