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Coronavirus (COVID-19) usually spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. These droplets can also be picked up from surfaces, so it is important to remember, if you have touched a surface, that you don't touch your face without washing or sanitising your hands first.

The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others.

A face covering should:

• cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably

• fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face

• be secured to the head with ties or ear loops

• be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable, such as cotton

• ideally include at least two layers of fabric (the World Health Organisation recommends three depending on the fabric used)

• unless disposable, it should be able to be washed with other items of laundry according to fabric washing instructions and dried without causing the face covering to be damaged

When wearing a face covering you should:

• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on

• avoid wearing on your neck or forehead

• avoid touching the part of the face covering in contact with your mouth and nose, as it could be contaminated with the virus

• change the face covering if it becomes damp or if you’ve touched it

• avoid taking it off and putting it back on a lot in quick succession (for example, when leaving and entering shops on a high street)

When removing a face covering:

• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before removing

• only handle the straps, ties or clips

• do not give it to someone else to use

• if single-use, dispose of it carefully in a residual waste bin and do not recycle

• if reusable, wash it in line with manufacturer’s instructions at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric

• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser once removed

Do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose.

Once removed, store reusable face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them. If the face covering is single use, dispose of it in a residual waste bin. Do not put them in a recycling bin.

Make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched using normal household cleaning products. If eating in a café, for example, it is important that you do not place the face covering on the table.

Wash your face covering regularly and follow the washing instructions for the fabric. You can use your normal detergent. You can wash and dry it with other laundry. You must throw away your face covering if it is damaged.