Face masks
When used correctly, wearing a face mask can supplement other infection prevention measures.
On face masks
1. When are face masks recommended?
There are no recommendations for mandatory use of face masks in Denmark.
The Danish Health Authority recommends that you can wear a face mask in the following situations:
- If you are ill with symptoms of respiratory infection, e.g. coughing or sneezing, and leave your home, e.g. for treatment or testing.
- In the waiting room at a general practice, the on-call doctor and an ear/nose/throat specialist practice, if you have respiratory symptoms.
For further information, please visit en.coronasmitte.dk
2. How to use a face mask correctly
Face masks must be worn correctly to avoid spreading the virus and bacteria to yourself and others.
- Before use: Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on the face mask.
- Find out which side of the mask is the front. For disposable face masks, it is usually the colored side.
- Put on the face mask by holding the elastic ear loops. Make sure it fits tightly to your face and covers both your nose, cheeks and chin.
- Do not touch the face mask during use. Change it often and always put on a new one if it gets wet or dirty.
- Remove the face mask by holding the elastic ear loops, and discard it immediately in a waste or litter bin. Put it in a bag until you can throw it in the waste, or if you need to reuse it after having used it only briefly. Put fabric face masks in a bag and wash them at 60 degrees.
- After use: Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
3. Those exempt from wearing face masks
There are no recommendations for mandatory use of face masks in Denmark. In situations where face masks, shields and visors are used, they should only be worn by people who can put them on and take them off themselves. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from wearing face coverings.
Learn more at en.coronasmitte.dk
And please keep in mind that there may be a perfectly valid reason why someone is not wearing a face mask, and that the cause is not always visible. Please always give someone the benefit of the doubt.