Here is a list of the safest face coverings to wear after chancellor Rishi Sunak was criticised for using a valved mask.

Some doctors have raised ‘major concerns’ over wearing valved masks in public because they filter incoming air but do not filter it on the way out.

This means the person who uses the covering will have some protection from catching coronavirus but others will not be protected from them if they have the infection.

The criticism over the valved masks came after the government announced masks or ‘face coverings’ would become compulsory in shops and supermarkets in England from July 24.

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What are the safest face masks and coverings?

The government has approved scarves, bandanas, religious garments and hand-made cloth coverings to be worn under new rules regarding wearing masks and face coverings in shops.

It says ‘face coverings are largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19).’

For this reason, when you do wear a face covering you should still maintain social distancing and wash your hands to protect against coronavirus. 

The government says a face covering should cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably, fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face and be secured to the head with ties or ear loops.

It should also be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable, such as cotton and ideally, include at least two layers of fabric (the World Health Organisation recommends three depending on the fabric used).

Unless disposable, it should be able to be washed with other items of laundry according to fabric washing instructions and dried without causing the face-covering to be damaged.

How to wear a face mask safely and effectively

The World Heath Organisation advises the following on how to wear a mask properly.

Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water then cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.

To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

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