COVID-19 Masks

The Milwaukee Health Department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend mask-wearing for the general public, regardless of vaccination status, especially in public, indoor spaces.

Masking is a critical public health tool and a key layer of protection against COVID-19 for yourself and those around you.  

• Wearing a well-fitted mask along with vaccination, testing, and physical distancing, helps protect you and others by reducing the chance of spreading COVID-19.
• Masks are made to contain the small particles you breathe, cough, or sneeze out. They can also provide you some protection from infected COVID-19 particles spread by others.
• Different types of masks provide different levels of protection: 
  • Loosely woven cloth masks provide the least protection.
  • Well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95 masks offer more protection.
  • NOISH-approved N95 respirators offer the highest level of protection.
• It is important to remember that any mask is better than no mask. If you do not have access to an N95 respirator, doubling up on available masks can increase protection.

Helpful Tips: 

• CDC - How to Properly Put on and Take off a Disposable Respirator 
• Wash your hands thoroughly before putting on and taking off the respirator. 
• Inspect the respirator for damage. If your respirator appears damaged, do not use it. Replace it with a new one.
• N95/KN95 masks are reusable if properly sanitized between uses. To sanitize an N95 or KN95 mask, remove the respirator and place it in a breathable paper bag. Close the bag and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 72 hours before reusing the mask. This process can be repeated but should not exceed five times before discarding the mask.