Cloth face masks are effective. They create a barrier between your mouth and nose and those around you. This makes it more difficult for the droplets that spread coronavirus through coughs, sneezes and talking to reach other people.

Cloth masks mainly keep you from unknowingly spreading the disease to others, but some studies indicate that they may help protect you from large droplets and serve as an indirect reminder to avoid touching your face.

This is why wearing a cloth mask inside all retail stores and public transportation has been mandatory in Maryland since April 2020. And as more services such as getting a haircut or eating in a restaurant are being allowed, it is as important as ever to continue wearing a mask. We're all in this together.

Wearing a mask correctly is the key to making it effective at preventing the spread of the coronavirus. According to the CDC, a cloth face mask needs to have the following in order to be effective:

• Cover both your nose and mouth

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face

• Be secured with ties or ear loops

• Have multiple layers of fabric

• Allow for unrestricted breathing

• Able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or shape changes

According to the CDC, studies suggest that many people who have coronavirus are asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms. You may have the disease and unknowingly spread it to others, including those with underlying conditions who have a higher coronavirus risk and are more vulnerable to severe illness. Asymptomatic carriers can increase the disease's spread if they aren't taking proper precautions, including wearing a mask, washing their hands frequently and social distancing.

Everyone should wear a cloth mask when in public unless they have breathing problems, are under age two, or can't remove the mask without assistance.

Wearing A Mask

Use and Care of a Cloth Mask --Step by step instructions

Making Masks Fun: Tips for Helping Your Child Wear a Face Mask--In this video, experts from the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Child & Family Life team share tips for helping children cooperate with wearing face masks.

How to Wear a Mask--A simple guide about basic mask wearing etiquette. The video is broken into three sections: explaining mask wearing protocol tips, ways to help masks fit better, and things to avoid. Made with information taken from the CDC website as well as consulting with healthcare providers, and a microbiologist who has work experience wearing masks in a medical lab at Mayo Clinic as of Aug 2020.

Making A Mask

Back to school face coverings and mask ideas--Wearing masks in school or having students wear masks is completely new. How to normalize mask wearing is a critical task.

Easy Mask for beginners - Free downloadable pattern--Cloth mask making at home and cotton fabric mask making at home is so easy and fun for beginners!

A no sew mask anyone can make--Today is a lovely mask, you can easily do it at home. 'Link to download pdf form

How to make a child's mask - Easy no sew--How to Make Face Mask at Home for kids Easy method, DIY face mask No Sewing Machine Required. - Hand Sewing.

Washing Masks

How should I clean and store my face mask?--It is best to clean your mask in a washing machine or with soap and hot water. The mask should be dried completely. Dry it in a hot dryer, if possible

3 Methods for Washing Your Cloth Mask at Home--Three easy and effective methods to wash a face mask using simple household items. Cleanse, sanitize, and storage tips to help slow the spread of COVID-19.