NMDOH News:

Health Department encourages New Mexicans to double-mask where appropriate

SANTA FE—The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reiterated today the importance of wearing a properly-fitting facial covering while in public.

“A mask prevents water droplets from escaping, so it needs to fit snugly around your nose, mouth, and cheeks,” NMDOH Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins said. “If your mask doesn’t fit well, use a paper mask underneath your cloth mask.”

Wearing a second, paper mask may provide additional protection from COVID-19 and variants. Adding a fitter to your cloth mask—elastic fabric connected to the cloth mask on the sides— also can help ensure a seal.

“Masks work best when we use them properly,” Dr. Collins said. “A well-fitting mask – or a double mask with paper underneath and cloth on top – is essential and can make the difference between exposure and non-exposure to the COVID-19 virus and its variants.”

A video tutorial on how to craft your own face mask from items around the house may be found here.

For additional information about properly-worn masks and mask options, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/effective-masks.html