Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

HHS.gov
  • About HHS
  • Programs & Services
  • Grants & Contracts
  • Laws & Regulations

Breadcrumb

  1. HHS
  2. Coronavirus
  3. Masks
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
    • Vaccines
    • Treatments
    • Testing
      • Community-Based Testing Sites
      • Diagnostic Data & Reporting
      • Testing & Diagnostics Working Group
      • Diagnostics Design-A-Thon
    • Masks
    • COVID-19 Care for Uninsured Individuals
    • Mental Health
    • Public Health Emergency
Español

Wearing a Mask Protects You and Others

Image

illustration of a white n95 mask
     

Wearing a mask is a critical way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks and respirators, when worn consistently and correctly, are effective at reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

HHS is encouraging Federal Retail Pharmacy Partners to distribute excess N95 masks from the Strategic National Stockpile to community health centers, local aging and disability networks, local health departments, and other organizations who can distribute free masks to the local community. Find out how community organizations and pharmacies can work together to distribute masks to people in the communities they serve.

  • Free Masks (N95 Respirators) for Americans

Learn How to Properly Wear Your Free N95 Mask

The CDC recommends you wear the most protective mask you can and that it fits well over your nose, mouth, and chin.

Read instructions in English

Read instructions in Spanish

Content created by Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)
Content last reviewed February 7, 2023
Back to top
  • Contact HHS
  • Careers
  • HHS FAQs
  • Nondiscrimination Notice
  • HHS Archive
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Viewers & Players
  • Budget/Performance
  • Inspector General
  • Web Site Disclaimers
  • EEO/No Fear Act
  • FOIA
  • The White House
  • USA.gov

Sign Up for Email Updates

Receive the latest updates from the Secretary, Blogs, and News Releases.

Sign Up
HHS Logo

HHS Headquarters

200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Toll Free Call Center: 1-877-696-6775​