Wearing a Mask

The health and safety of everyone at Stanford Children’s Health is important to us. To keep everyone safe, our patients and families must wear a mask when they enter our buildings and clinics. This helps slow the spread of COVID-19. This handout will give you more information on how to wear a mask.

How does a mask help slow the spread of COVID-19?

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, spreads through droplets that are in the air when people breathe, talk, cough, or sneeze. Wearing a mask keeps these virus droplets from reaching others. If everyone wears a mask when they are in the hospital, fewer people will get sick.

Do I have to wear a mask in the hospital or clinic room?

You must wear a mask if:

• You/your child are on isolation. (Your nurse will explain if and when a mask is required.)
• If hospital staff enter the room.

You may remove your mask in the room:

• If you/your child are NOT on isolation.
• No hospital staff are present in the room.

Do I have to wear a mask even if I am not sick?

Yes, even people without symptoms wear masks in our buildings. People with COVID-19 may not have symptoms but can still spread the virus.

What type of mask can I wear?

Homemade and cloth masks are not allowed. We will give you a mask to wear at the entrance of our buildings and clinics. You may also wear the mask we give you over your own mask.

Who does not need to wear a mask?

Children under 2 years old do not need to wear a mask. If you or your child cannot wear a mask or is having trouble wearing a mask, please talk to one of our staff members. They can help provide more options to keep everyone safe.

I have concerns or questions about wearing a mask. Is there anyone I can talk to?

Please talk to the care team for all masking questions and concerns.

How is the safest way to put on my mask?

Please follow the instructions below when putting on your mask:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Pick up your mask by the ear loops, if it has them. If your mask does not have ear loops, pick it up in an area where it will not touch your face.

3. Adjust the mask so that it fits snugly against your face. There should be no gaps between the mask and the side of your face.

4. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

What is the safest way to take off a mask?

Please follow the instructions below when taking off your mask:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Remove the mask by the ear loops, if your mask has them. If your mask does not have ear loops, remove the mask by touching a part of it that does not touch your face.

3. Fold the mask together.

4. If your mask is disposable, throw the mask away in a trash can.

5. If your mask is reusable, fold it and put it into a paper bag. When you get home, place the mask directly into the washing machine.

6. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Mask Safety Tips Cover your nose and mouth at all times with the mask. Do not pull the mask down to talk, cough, or sneeze.

How should I care for my mask?

If your mask gets dirty, wet, or damaged, ask your care team for a new one. Ask where you should discard your old one.

• Avoid touching the old mask, if possible.
• If you touch the old mask, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

Author: Command Center Health Literacy Reviewed by: The Office of Patient/Family Education & Health Literacy