Mask-Wearing Tips, Manhattan Beach, From Beach Cities Health

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The Beach Cities Health District, which serves Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach residents, is offering updated health tips on how to wear a mask to achieve maximum protection.

BCHD said in an email, "Face masks work best when everyone wears them consistently and correctly over their mouth and nose. Face masks protect the wearer and those around them. However, not all face masks offer the same protection."

The health district advised that when choosing a face mask, make sure it:

• Has two or more layers of breathable, tightly woven material;
• Completely covers your nose and mouth; and
• Fits snugly against your face, including on the sides, and has no gaps.

BCHD also noted that a face mask with a nose wire can keep air from leaking out of the top of the mask, which will also help reduce fogging if you wear glasses.

To improve the fit of medical procedure masks, the CDC recommends fitting a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask [referred to as “double masking”] and knotting the ear loops of a medical procedure mask and then tucking in and flattening the extra material close to the face. It is not recommended to double mask with a KN95 or two disposable masks as this does not improve the fit.

BCHD wrote, "As a reminder, a face mask is NOT a substitute for physical distancing. They are an additional tool against COVID-19."