If you step out of your house during this pandemic, you might have your mask on as it's a compulsion. And while this might make you feel like you're protecting yourself from the virus, there's a difference between simply wearing a mask and wearing a mask safely. Sometimes it could mean that your current face mask isn't cutting it and that you must replace it as soon as you can. It is very crucial to follow some guidelines when it comes to wearing a mask safely. If you wish to protect your health and other's too, you need to keep these signs in mind about getting yourself a new mask once you start noticing them.

Masks can only give you adequate protection if they're intact. If you see your mask tearing up or with holes, you should consider changing it. The whole point of a mask is to provide a physical barrier to keep the virus away. And if you're going to use a mask that's ripped or torn, you're not helping yourself and others.

While there's evidence that suggests that coronavirus can only survive for a few days on surfaces, if you've recently had the virus or suspected that you did, you must replace your mask as soon as possible. You can even wash your cloth mask to keep yourself and others safe.

If someone in your house isn't doing well and if you've cared for the person who has the virus or is suspected to have the virus, you need to wash your mask or replace it for a new one. Porous items like cloth masks should be laundered and then dried completely before next use.

If you've touched a potentially contaminated surface -the shopping cart handle, the doorknob, etc and then touched any part of your face mask other than the straps, you need to get yourself a new one in order to avoid any further contamination.