The Australian Government has released a new Easy Read resource explaining why people wear masks and how to wear them safely. This information is about disposable masks.

If you choose to wear a mask, there are things you must do to make sure they are effective. This includes:

• washing your hands before you put the mask on
• making sure the mask covers your mouth and nose
• making sure the mask fits tightly around your chin, nose and the sides of your face
• not touching the mask while you're wearing it
• washing your hands straight away if you do touch the mask while you're wearing it
• throwing the mask away after you take it off
• washing your hands after you throw the mask away.

If you want to eat or drink while you're wearing the mask, you need to take the mask off and wash your hands first. It's not safe to just pull the mask down. If your mask gets wet or damaged, you'll need to replace it.

Even when you are wearing a mask, it's important to make sure you are still taking other precautions to stay safe. This includes:

• staying at home if you are sick
• staying 1.5 metres away from others
• getting tested if you have a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath
• washing your hands often
• coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your bent elbow.

Original resource

The Australian Government Department of Social Services website.

Coronavirus: Should you wear a mask? Easy Read (PDF).