We’re almost a year into the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yet many people continue to make the same mistakes with their masks, rendering them basically ineffective against coronavirus.

Now the Health Service Executive is reminding the public not to pull a face mask down near your neck while wearing it. This problematic practice brings the inside of the face mask into contact with the exposed area on your neck.

When the mask is pulled back up over the mouth and nose, you could be transferring the virus with it.

Advice on how to properly wear a face covering available here: https://t.co/BYmRdrA7Cp pic.twitter.com/lCpPpLOYoh

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) January 19, 2021

“Do not lower your face coverings to speak, eat and smoke or vape.” the HSE tweeted.

“If you need to uncover your nose or mouth, take the face-covering off and put it in a bag for used face coverings.”

According to the HSE, a face covering “should cover your nose, go under your chin and fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include at least two layers of fabric and allow for breathing without restriction.”

When you return home, it’s essential you remove your mask safely to avoid contamination:

“To safely dispose of a single-use mask: remove it from behind – do not touch the front of the mask, throw it away immediately into a closed bin, wash your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water,” the HSE advises.

Masks should be disposed of in the general ‘black bag’ waste bin at home or work, or a litter bin if you’re outside – do not put them in a recycling bin as they cannot be recycled.