Experts suggest wearing a face covering indoors because they can help protect you and other people from breathing Coronavirus in or out. By catching wet air as soon as it is breathed out of the mouth or nose a face covering stops the spread of the wet air (with potential virus in) from spreading around the room, in the air and on to surfaces.
Face coverings can also help stop you touching your nose and mouth, which stops viruses moving from your hands in to your body.
A good way to make sure you always have a face covering when you need one is to keep them in places where you’re most likely to use them. These might be:
- Next to the front door
- In a coat pocket or bag
- In your car.
When do I wear it?
It may feel strange to wear a face covering in your home, but there may be times when it is necessary.
If you want to spend time indoors with a visitor, covering your face will help to reduce the spread of the virus if you cannot be 2 metres/6 feet apart. This is really important if you or a visitor is likely to be very ill if you/they catch Coronavirus.
If you or someone you live with are at risk of getting very ill from Coronavirus, then it is a good idea to wear a face covering when you are indoors with other people in your household when you cannot be 2 metres/6 feet apart. Opening a window in the room you’re in helps too!
This means that you can still spend time with other people in your home. Limiting how long you are in a room with others also helps – the longer you spend together the more viruses could enter your body.