Make sure your mask or respirator fits properly, meaning there are no gaps between the material and your face. You may consider wearing a disposable surgical mask underneath a cloth mask for added ...

In this way, masking became a common courtesy, almost like covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough — making surgical mask-wearing more of an altruistic act than one of self-preservation. “I ...

Federal officials still wanted to reserve surgical masks and N95 masks for frontline health care workers. States then began introducing requirements that individuals wear face coverings in public.