Facemasks are now more popular than ever, and for good reason. There are some common misconceptions and uninformed practices surrounding them, though. When is the best time to wear a facemask, and why should we wear them?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommends wearing “face coverings” while out and about in certain locations were six feet apart may not be entirely practical, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. The wearing of face coverings is recommended because “we know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (asymptomatic) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.”

Part of the coronavirus’ most fatal features is that it can be a silent spreader.

The CDC website goes on to explain, “This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity–for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing–even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.”

Cloth face coverings can help to reduce the possibility of spreading coronavirus by stopping particulate spread. Many homemade face coverings can be made with pouches or pockets in them for placement of additional filters.

Face coverings are not the most comfortable thing to wear, so knowing when to wear them can save a lot of discomfort and keep them cleaner and more effective for longer periods. When you are in a closed, public location is a prime time to wear your facemask. If you are driving in your car by yourself or going for a walk by yourself, the mask is unnecessary and making you breathe in excess carbon dioxide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that if you are going to wear a mask, you should be doing it in conjecture with other good health habits such as washing and sanitizing your hands, and keep the mask clean. Keeping your hands clean increases the chances of stopping the spread fly physical touch like masks reduce the chance of spreading it through airborne particulates from breath, sneeze, or cough. The Who recommends washing your hands before putting on the mask just like they recommend not touching your face. Similarly, do not touch the mask while it is on, unless you are taking it off. Change your mask when it becomes damp due to exhale moisture. When removing your mask, take it off by the strings around your ears and not by the cloth. WHO’s website has videos and informative graphics on proper mask care and protocol.

The Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit multi-specialty academic medical center with a focus on research and education, suggests that there are people who should not wear masks, including children under age two, alone already suffering respiratory issues, and anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or incapable of taking their masks off on their own. The Cleveland Clinic also recommends cleaning them after every use like any other garment, meaning your mask should be able to withstand a washer and dryer. Dr. Aaron Hamilton says that hand washing them with warm water and hand soap, then drying them with high heat is also a cleaning option.

“A cloth mask will not prevent you from breathing in respiratory droplets that carry a virus, like COVID-19. But it will help to protect others from you if you happen to be infected, with or without symptoms,” Dr. Hamilton said, and adds “furthermore, cloth masks help to reinforce social distancing and good cough etiquette, which ultimately will help to slow how far the virus spreads.”

Facemasks certainly are not the best fashion statement and are not always comfortable, but they are currently nothing less than a necessity. Wear a mask that covers your face and nose, not for you, but for everyone who could be within six feet of you. You do not have to wear it at home, in your car, or out on a jog, but keep your fellow shoppers and essential errand runners safe, even if you do not think you have it.