Cloth face coverings are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with everyday preventive actions and social distancing in public settings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

A cloth face covering may not protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others. Don't have a face mask? Click here to learn how to make your own.

Here are 14 tips for effectively wearing a face cloth covering, according to the CDC:

1. Wash your hands before putting on your face covering.

2. Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.

3. Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face.

4. Make sure you can breathe easily.

6. Wear a face covering correctly for maximum protection.

7. Don’t put the face covering around your neck or up on your forehead.

8. Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect.

9. Take off your cloth face covering carefully when you're home.

10. Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops.

Trying to pick the best face covering for your child? Click here here for a guide of 4 masks.

11. Handle only by the ear loops or ties.

12. Fold outside corners together.

13. Place covering in the washing machine. Click here to learn more about how to wash cloth face coverings.

14. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing.

The CDC says cloth face coverings should not be used by children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Also remember that cloth face coverings are not surgical masks or N95 respirators. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for health care workers and other first responders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a list of what parents should consider if their children’s schools are requiring or encouraging the use of cloth face coverings. See more information here.