The CDC has advised Americans to wear masks when outdoors and in public. But how do you dispose of them safely?<br />According to Allure, surgical masks are designed to be disposable. However, it's well known they're in short supply.<br />Since studies haven’t confirmed if it’s at all possible to safely wash surgical masks so they remain effective, don't try to wash and dry them at home.<br />If you have to re-use, leave it stored in a container in the contaminated area for 72 hours. Let some air circulate to help it dry, and perhaps inactivate any viruses.<br />If you can dispose of it, fold it in half to contain secretions on the inside, then put it in a plastic bag or rolling it up in a tissue before throwing it away.<br />But don't throw a used mask into a trash can without a lid.<br />Preliminary data suggests that COVID-19 virus could remain viable on surfaces for up to three days, depending on the surface material.
