Misleading: Medical Mask Instruction
The Claim
COVID-19 medical face masks are designed to be worn differently depending on the health of the wearer.
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Emerging story
Social media users have been circulating an infographic that says, it shows “the correct way to use a medical mask” and claims that masks should be worn “colored side out if you are sick and do not want to spread germs around.” Users also claimed that the white side of the mask is “the filter part” to be worn facing out when the wearer is not sick, to prevent germs from getting in. The claim has been circulating since January 2020.
Misbar’s Analysis
Our investigation finds the advice in the circulating claim against advice outlined by the World Health Organization.
According to the San Francisco Department of Public Health, the colored portion of the mask is with a bendable edge and is supposed to be worn on the outside. The filter should be near the nose. Maintaining personal hygiene and washing hands with soap and water have been repetitively mentioned on the department's website.
According to Primed, there are three steps to wear a medical mask correctly:
The World Health Organization infographic details how to wear a medical mask safely with an instruction that says “ensure the colored-side faces outwards”. There is no advice that the colored and white sides are used to indicate the health of the wearer.
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