NCDC Face Mask Guidelines
Advisory on Use of Cloth Face Masks
COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets
when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. In
response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria,
NCDC advises the use of face masks as an additional layer
of physical distancing to help block the spread of respiratory
droplets from person to person.
Recently, additional measures have been put in place in
Nigeria by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari to
help curb community transmission of COVID-19. The Federal
government of Nigeria has mandated the use of face masks
or coverings in public. However, restrictions on social and
religious gatherings remain in place.
Due to the global shortage of medical face masks several
countries are turning to alternatives to medical face masks for
the general public. A cloth face mask, made out of every day
fabric can act as a barrier to respiratory droplets but cannot
completely protect you from COVID-19.
To protect yourselves and loved ones from COVID-19, cloth
face masks must be worn in combination with:
1. Avoiding large gatherings
2. Physical distancing by maintaining a distance of 2 meters
between yourself and others
3. Regular handwashing with soap under running water
4. Frequent cleaning of surfaces with soap and water or
disinfectants
WHO SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT WEAR A CLOTH MASK?
DO'S AND DONT'S OF WEARING CLOTH MASKS
Cloth face masks are a convenient substitute to medical face
masks for the current global situation but they should NOT be
worn by individuals who are at high risk for complications
due to COVID-19. The following groups are advised to wear
MEDICAL face masks:
1. Health care workers and those caring for the ill
2. Those experiencing respiratory symptoms like coughing
and sneezing
3. The elderly and those with chronic medical conditions
1. DO wash your hands frequently with soap under running
water to avoid contamination
2. DO adhere to social distancing measures and stay at
home as much as possible
3. DO wear a mask before leaving your home for essential
services
4. DO wear masks made with at least 3 layers of fabric
5. DON’T use a cloth face mask on children under the age
of 2 years
6. DON’T try on new masks from vendors or wear immediately
after purchasing; Wash before first use
7. DON’T reuse a cloth face mask before it has been washed
and dried
8. DON’T leave a used face mask on uncleaned surfaces or
in the reach of small children while not in use
9. DON’T pull down your mask to cough or sneeze. Use
a tissue or your bent elbow over the mask until you can
safely remove the mask for washing
Because they are reusable, it is very important that cloth face
masks are handled and cared for properly to avoid the further
spread of infectious agents. Please adhere to the following
guidelines for the use of cloth face masks:
1. Make sure the mask has been washed and is unused
before first wear
2. Wash your hands with soap under running water before
touching the mask. If water is not available, use a hand
sanitizer
3. Cover your nose and mouth completely with the mask
making sure it fits snuggly with no open gaps
4. Avoid touching or adjusting the mask while it is on
5. Wash or sanitize your hands before removing the mask by
the straps
6. Wash the mask immediately with soap or detergent and
allow to dry completely in the sun
7. Before re-use, iron the mask
NCDC Toll-free Number: 080097000010 SMS: 0809 955 5577 WhatsApp: 0708 711 0839
@NCDCgov covid19.ncdc.gov.ng info@ncdc.gov.ng