Wearing a mask is an effective measure to protect yourself from being infected during the period of epidemic spread.

Experts from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using disposable medical surgical masks and they say cotton masks and sponge masks lack adequate protective effects.

Zhang Liubo, chief expert and researcher of disinfection at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that disposable masks should be replaced after having been worn for 4 hours as they may have been polluted or moistened. As the filter layer inside the mask plays the major role in protection, the protective function of the mask will be weakened when it is wet or soiled by secretions. If the supply of masks is running short, you can have the masks dried (but never wash them) and they can be reused.