Please don't wear masks with exhalation valves and zippers. These types of masks and face coverings don’t provide the same protection as a procedure mask or cloth face covering.
DO WEAR
- Procedure masks and cloth face coverings. Procedure masks and cloth face coverings help block large-particle droplets and splatter from getting on your mouth and nose. They also help to reduce the spread of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.
DON’T WEAR
- Masks or face coverings that have exhalation values. An exhalation valve poses a risk to those around the person who is wearing it. The valve allows unfiltered exhaled air to escape, which reduces or eliminates the protection of the mask and containment of droplets. Individuals can pass the COVID-19 virus to others through the exhalation valve if they are infected, even if asymptomatic.
- Zipper masks/face coverings. Wearing a zipper mask or face covering with a zipper can also pose a risk to yourself and others. The zipper is not airtight, and you can forget to close it. Touching the front of the mask to unzip increases the risk of contamination.
Remember, masking is required at all times within all Intermountain facilities. Masks and face coverings are most effective when used in combination with physical distancing and frequent hand hygiene.