With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the United States, now, more than ever, it’s important to understand proper face mask etiquette. Wearing a face covering is an excellent way to protect those around you, helping to reduce the spread of the virus. This, mixed with regular hand washing and social distancing, is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, it’s smart to be aware of whether or not you have an urgent care center in your neighborhood that offers a COVID-19 test or a COVID-19 antigen test.

How to Wear your Face Mask

Prior to putting on your mask, make sure you wash your hands before walking into an urgent care center or any other public place. Once your hands are clean, put the face-covering over your nose and your mouth, securing it under your chin. Do your best to snuggly fit it against your face, preventing as much air as possible from escaping. You also want to make sure the face covering isn’t constricting your ability to breathe. If you don’t have proper mask etiquette, it’s as if you’re not wearing it.

Wear a Mask to Protect Other People

You should wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect other people, in case you’re infected with COVID-19 but aren’t exhibiting symptoms. With this in mind, make sure to wear your face covering when in public places where you’re surrounded by people who don’t live in your household, especially if it’s challenging to practice social distancing.

Healthy Habits

There are a variety of everyday healthy habits that the CDC recommends in conjunction with a Covid-19 test or Covid-19 antigen test. These include social distancing, which means staying at least six feet away from other people outside your home. Avoid coming into contact with people who are sick. Wash your hands as often as possible, and make sure you do so for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. In the event that soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

Face Mask Care

It’s essential that you properly take care of your face mask because you’re wearing it regularly. When you come home, untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops. Make sure to only handle your mask by its ear loops or ties. Then, fold the corners together, and place your face mask in the washing machine so you can sanitize it. You shouldn’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing your mask at an urgent care center or public place.

The CDC also recommends washing your hands immediately after removing your face covering. If you plan on wearing a face mask on a daily basis, or even a few times a week, you should have multiple face coverings available. This way you’ll always have a clean one available to wear when you need it. Be sure to schedule a Covid-19 test or Covid-19 antigen test if you are experiencing symptoms.

Get the Very Best in Urgent Care at an UrgentMED Location Near You

There has been a lot of talk regarding a COVID-19 test and COVID-19 antigen test, which is why you should know if an urgent care facility is in your immediate area. UrgentMED is a wonderful resource. 

UrgentMED has always revolved around a patient-centered approach in which patients are able to receive superior healthcare in a professional, efficient, and affordable manner. So, contact UrgentMED for all of your COVID-19 test and COVID-19 antigen test needs or visit any one of our urgent care center locations in Southern California.