How to wear surgical mask?

An Iranian firefighter disinfects "Tabiat Bridge" in Tehran, Iran, on March 9, 2020. [Photo by Ahmad Halabisaz/Xinhua)]

BEIJING -- The World Health Organization has offered the following advice on when and how to use a surgical mask properly amid the novel coronavirus epidemic.

If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected novel coronavirus infection.

Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

Photo taken on Nov 29, 2019 shows a refugee washing his hands in the Moria refugee camp on Lesvos island, Greece. [Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua]

Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

If you wear a mask, you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

A staff member takes off his mask after finishing his shift at the health and quarantine comprehensive laboratory of Sichuan International Travel Health Care Center (Chengdu Customs Port Outpatient Department), in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan, Feb 15, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

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 it in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.