Masks wearing helps protect you as well as those around you, but there are some exceptions. According to the CDC (opens in new tab), face coverings should not be worn by children younger than two years old, or by a person who has breathing difficulties. Also, they shouldn’t be put on anyone who is unconscious or ‘otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance’. After initial shortages earlier this year, there are now plenty of reusable fabric face masks to choose from. If you enjoy crafting, you may want make your own homemade face covering instead. Either way, a good mask covers your nose and mouth, and is made from a material that’s easy to breathe through. Here are five festive face masks for kids and adults this Christmas… People of any age can spread or contract COVID-19, with the most common coronavirus symptoms (opens in new tab) being a new cough, loss of taste or smell, fatigue and a fever, which can be tracker using one of the best digital thermometers (opens in new tab). Wearing a face mask is essential if you are mixing with other people from outside your household. The CDC has published guidelines (opens in new tab) on how to wear a mask. When wearing a face covering, ensure it covers your nose and mouth, and that there are at least two layers of fabric that fit snugly against the sides of your face. If you have a disposable mask, wear it once then dispose of it safely.
Other protective measures to take this Christmas
There are plenty of other extra measures you can take to help slow the spread, including staying six feet apart from people outside your household, and keeping your hands clean with a sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. If you are able to, wash your hands often using soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time. If you suspect you might have been exposed to the coronavirus or are displaying symptoms, follow the CDC’s advice (opens in new tab) on what to do if you think you have COVID-19, are infected, or are caring for someone who is. This involves staying at home unless to receive medical care, isolating yourself from other people, and wearing a medical mask at home and avoiding touching shared objects and surfaces to reduce the risk of infection to those you live with. Looking for more health content? Then take a look at our guides to best health insurance (opens in new tab) and the best Medicare Part D plans (opens in new tab) to see how coverage could benefit you. To look after your reusable face coverings, read our guide to how often you should wash your face mask (opens in new tab).
