How masks can help prevent COVID-19
8-minute read
If you develop severe symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately and tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19.
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Does wearing a mask reduce my risk of COVID-19?
Surgical and cloth masks help stop droplets spreading when people talk, cough and sneeze, which reduces the risk of spreading the virus.
If you have, or suspect you have, COVID-19, you should wear a fitted, surgical mask when you’re near other people.
If you are healthy and not caring for a person with confirmed COVID-19 — or are not in an area of community transmission — you don’t need to wear a face mask. Where there is low community transmission of COVID-19, wearing a mask in the community when you are well is not generally recommended.
However, if you are in an area of community transmission — a COVID-19 ‘hotspot’ — and leave your home for an essential reason, you may have to wear a fitted mask in public. (Typically, children aged less than 12 don’t need to wear masks.)
You may live in an area where you’re encouraged to wear a mask in public, especially if you can’t reliably stay 1.5 metres away from others.
Check the restrictions in your state or territory to see if you are legally required or urged to wear a mask (and see ‘Is it compulsory to wear a mask?’, below).
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom Checker to find out if you need to seek medical help.
How do I wear a mask correctly?
Before and after you put on your mask, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser containing more than 60% alcohol.
While wearing a mask, you should continue to wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your face or the mask.
When you go out, carry a paper bag or zip-lock (plastic) bag with you to keep fresh or spare masks clean.
You can take your face mask off when eating or drinking. You should maintain physical distancing of 1.5m and practise good hygiene. If you need to take a mask off for eating or drinking, it’s best if you put on a new face mask. If this isn’t possible, clean your hands before and after touching it.
How to wear a mask — video
Cloth mask
It’s preferable for cloth masks to have 3 layers. A cloth mask should cover your nose and mouth. It should fit securely on your face with either ear loops or mask strings tied into a bow at the back of your head.
You should change a cloth mask as soon as it becomes visibly wet or dirty. After taking your mask off, store it in a plastic bag until you can wash it.
Surgical mask (single use)
Before putting it on, check for tears. If undamaged, position the coloured side of the mask outward. If the mask has a metallic strip, make sure it sits against the bridge of your nose.
Replace a surgical mask with a new one if it becomes soiled or damp. Do not reuse single-use masks.
Mask fastening
Ear loop mask
Hold the mask by both ear loops and place one over each ear.
Tie mask
Hold the mask by the upper strings. Tie the upper strings together near the crown of your head. Tie the lower strings near the nape of your neck.
Dual-elastic band masks
Pull the lower band over your head to the nape of your neck. Pull the upper band over your head to the crown of your head.
If your mask has a metallic strip, pinch and press it to mould to your nose shape. Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin so it fits securely. Don’t touch your mask or face once you have put it on.
Taking off your mask
You can remove your mask when you are by yourself, in your car or at home.
Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Don't touch the front of the mask. Use the ear loops or untie the bow to remove it. If your mask has a pair of ties, undo the bottom one first, then the top.
Cloth mask
Dispose of any filters. Put your mask in the laundry straight away or a plastic bag until you can wash it. Make sure you dispose of the bag.
Surgical mask
Dispose of your surgical mask immediately and responsibly.
Clean your hands after you remove your cloth or surgical mask.
Is it compulsory to wear a mask?
Your state or territory will decide whether you must wear a mask and under what conditions.
Not all states necessarily have the same rules and situations change rapidly. Check your state or territory government website for the latest requirements, exceptions and exemptions.
RESTRICTIONS — Use the COVID-19 Restriction Checker to find out what you can and can't do in your state or territory.
Can my employer make me wear a mask?
Your employer can make you wear a mask at work if they, in consultation with employees, decide it is necessary to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19. If your employer directs you to wear a mask they should be able to provide them.
There are already strict rules in place for workers in some settings such as aged-care facilities.
You should also closely monitor any information provided by your state or territory government and ensure the rules are followed in your workplace.
Is it compulsory to wear a mask at airports and on airplanes?
International travel mask requirements
Passengers and crew on all flights must wear a face mask during their flight and in Australian airports — regardless of whether they’re coming from a safe travel zone or not. They are also encouraged to wear a mask at overseas airports.
You can remove your mask to eat and drink, or if directed by an airline or government official for identification, emergency or other safety purposes.
Passengers should bring their own mask — cloth or surgical masks are acceptable. You should bring enough to last your entire journey. You should change your mask every 4 hours or when it becomes wet.
Children under 12 years of age and people with exemptions do not need to wear a mask.
Domestic travel mask requirements
You must wear a face mask at domestic airports and on domestic flights. Check the Domestic Travel page on the healthdirect Restriction Checker for each state and territory’s specific requirements, exemptions and exceptions.
Where can I get masks?
Your healthcare provider will give you a surgical mask to wear when you enter a hospital emergency department or clinic if they suspect that you have COVID-19 — if you don't already have one. The hospital or clinic can also advise you on how to fit and wear masks.
You can purchase resusable and surgical masks from retailers like chemists and hardware stores. You can also make your own cloth mask.
Healthcare providers can get information about acquiring masks and other personal protective equipment, PPE, on the Australian Government Department of Health website.
Should I buy masks online?
There is a huge number of masks for sale online, but they vary in quality and some will give you or others almost no protection.
Masks and face coverings need to cover your mouth and nose properly and fit your face securely. You might not know if this is the case if you buy one online without inspecting it.
It is much safer to purchase a cloth or surgical mask from retailers like chemists.
Looking for more information?
Visit healthdirect's COVID-19 information hub for more answers to questions about the coronavirus, including vaccinations and restrictions.
Resources in other languages
COVID-19 resources in other languages are available from the Department of Health, as well as from the ACT, NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic and WA health departments.
Information is also available in Aboriginal languages (NT).
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: May 2021
