10TV: How to Properly Wear a Face Mask

When it comes to wearing a face mask and gloves, there are dos and don’ts to make sure you’re properly protecting yourself against COVID-19.

Joseph Gastaldo, MD, OhioHealth system medical director, infectious diseases, shared some of his tips and tricks with 10TV on how to wear, care for and take off both face masks and gloves.

His first piece of advice? Don’t go for the surgical face masks. Instead, try something made of cloth or cotton. Even a handkerchief will do the job.

"We don't want to deplete our medical supplies from those that are needed in the hospital," Dr. Gastaldo told 10TV reporter Stephanie Stanavich.

It’s also important not to contaminate the mask while putting it on or taking it off. When putting on a mask, use the elastic pieces or parts that go around your ear without touching the actual mask. Once it’s on and attached to the ears, pinch the nose area to make sure it's sealed tightly, and don’t touch it again, even to eat or drink.

Both masks and gloves should only be worn once. If your mask is made of a cloth material, toss it in the washer as soon as you’re done wearing it. For gloves, pull them inside out and throw them in the trash.

Dr. Gastaldo also encourages continuing to follow proper hand hygiene, especially before putting on a mask or gloves and after taking them off.