Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

Wearing a Mask

Wearing a Mask
Updated Apr. 30, 2021
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Wear a Mask the Right Way

First, wash your hands.
Put the mask on your face.
Put the loops behind your ears.
The mask must cover your nose.
The mask must cover your mouth.
The mask must fit under your chin.
The mask must be snug on your face.
Make sure breathing is easy.
Masks may feel different.
Practice wearing a mask.
Practice will help you get used to wearing a mask.

Protect Everyone from COVID-19

Wear a mask to protect yourself.
Wear a mask to protect your friends.
Wear a mask to protect your family.
Wear a mask to protect everyone.
Keep the mask on your face.
Keep your hands off your face.
Keep your hands off your nose.
Keep your hands off your mouth.

Stop COVID-19 Every Day

Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your home.
Stay away from people who are sick.
Wear a mask to protect everyone.
Wash your hands often.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Wash your hands for 20 seconds.
Sing the happy birthday song twice while washing your hands.
Use hand sanitizer if that is all you have.
Rub the hand sanitizer all over your hands.
Rub your hands until they feel dry.
Washing your hands with soap and water is best.

Take Off Your Mask When You Get Home

Keep your hands off the front of the mask.
Touch only the strings or loops.
Use the strings or loops to take off the mask.
Put the mask in the laundry.
Wash your hands with soap and water.

Original Guidance: Use Masks to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Download and Print: Wearing a Mask pdf icon[65 KB, 4 pages]

Development of these materials was supported by a grant from the CDC Foundation, using funding provided by its donors. The materials were created by the Center for Literacy & Disability Studies, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided subject matter expertise and approved the content. The use of the names of private entities, products, or enterprises is for identification purposes only and does not imply CDC endorsement.

Project funding ended 9/30/2021. All edits after that date are completed solely by CDC.