Your face mask can provide protection against the spread of the coronavirus. But quality matters!

• N95 and KN95 masks are the most effective at curbing the threat of aerosol transmission.
  
• These masks offer multiple layers of protection, and are designed to fit snugly over the nose and mouth without any openings around the edges.
  
• In research studies, the N95 and KN95 masks have been shown to block particles that are roughly the same diameter as the COVID virus by as much as 98.4%.
  
• Be cautious of purchasing counterfeit N95 and KN95 masks that aren’t manufactured to recommended standards. Visit CDC.gov/Masks for a comprehensive listing of approved mask manufacturers.
  
• According to a recent study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, other types of masks offer lower rates of protection, including two-layer woven nylon masks with aluminum nose bridges (56.3%), surgical procedure masks with ear loops (38.5%) and 3-layer knitted cotton masks with ear loops (26.5%).
  
• Greater protection may be achieved by doubling up. You can wear a cloth mask over a disposable surgical mask, or two cloth masks over each other. But don’t combine two disposable masks.
  
• In addition to wearing a mask, you should continue to mitigate the spread of the virus by getting vaccinated, washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, and practicing social distancing when appropriate.