WASHINGTON - D.C.'s top health leader says that while the majority of people observed in a recent community mask audit amid the COVID-19 pandemic were wearing their face coverings, not all of them were wearing them correctly.
Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, director of the District's Department of Health, said the mask audit was conducted between Nov. 18 and Dec. 9 in 151 locations around D.C. to observe patterns of mask wearing.
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Of the 4250 people observed, 78 percent met the D.C. mask guidance criteria, 83 percent had a mask visible, however, only 72 percent wore their masks correctly, Nesbitt said.
The percent of incorrect mask usage was highest among adolescents between five and 18 years old. Nesbitt said that 79 percent of females wore their masks correctly while only 67 percent of males did the same.
Nesbitt said the highest percentage of individuals wearing their masks correctly were in Ward 2 while the lowest were in Ward 7.
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WEAR YOUR MASK CORRECTLY
Wash your hands before putting on your mask
Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
Make sure you can breathe easily
Do not place a mask on a child younger than 2
TAKE OFF YOUR MASK CAREFULLY, WHEN YOU'RE HOME
Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops
Handle only by the ear loops or ties
Fold outside corners together
Place covering in the washing machine
Wash your hands with soap and water
Here's how the CDC says to safely and correctly wear and remove your mask.
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