Wearing Mask Around Your Chin Leads to Contamination

Hind Khoudary

Health

26th July 2020

Wearing Mask Around Your Chin Leads to Contamination

Any droplets containing the virus could be transferred to your face (Getty)

The Claim

Your face will become exposed to the virus if you wear your mask on your chin.

News posted on

Sarawak Public Feedback

Emerging story

Social media users began posting a claim that you bring your mask down to your chin or neck, your mouth and nose will be infected by bacteria and viruses.

An illustration of a man wearing a mask on his chin to show how it can spread contamination when placed back over his mouth nose was also spread.

Misbar’s Analysis

Misbar’s investigation finds that that the East Midlands Ambulance Service, an Emergency rescue service across the Midlands for NHS, is the source of the illustration.
The graphic reveals that if you have your face mask over your nose and mouth, your neck is exposed, meaning any droplets containing the virus could land on your neck.

If you then pull your mask down below your chin, the inside of the mask will be contaminated, meaning that when you pull it back over your nose and mouth, you’ll be vulnerable to any bacteria, germs, and viruses on your neck.
The East Midlands Ambulance Service advises that if you do need to move your mask to eat, drink or talk, you should remove it entirely.
The circulating claim is true, as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warned people that they shouldn’t touch their masks with their own hands while wearing it. In a recent video shared on Twitter CDC stated, “Don’t put the face-covering around your neck or upon your forehead.”

Wearing a cloth face covering correctly can help prevent the spread of #COVID19 to others. When you go out on essential trips, follow these “do’s”. If you have a child, remember those under age 2 should not wear a face covering. See https://t.co/lxWMe4NUBD. pic.twitter.com/tIDUpq6mBO
— CDC (@CDCgov) July 21, 2020