man putting on a protective mask for coronavirus at home

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Take the True-or-False Face Mask Quiz

Put your knowledge to the test about when, where and how to wear masks during the pandemic

Rachel Nania,

AARP

En español

Published November 23, 2020

10 Questions

42682483-5ad6-4b1d-8065-0a9104179f34

Take the True-or-False Face Mask Quiz

[ {
  "question" : "True or false? You should wear a face mask in public only if you feel sick.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "People who feel sick should stay at home. For everyone else: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a face mask or face covering in public settings or anywhere you will be around other people who do not live with you.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? Everyone should wear a medical-grade mask.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Medical-grade masks should be reserved for health care workers. The CDC recommends cloth face coverings made of two or more layers for the general public. These can be purchased, sewn or fashioned from everyday household items, such as socks, T-shirts and bandanas. The CDC is currently evaluating various mask materials and structure; the agency is also studying the effectiveness of face shields.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? A cloth face mask reduces the likelihood that you unknowingly transmit the coronavirus to someone else.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Many people who test positive for the virus don’t experience symptoms and thus don’t know to isolate at home. A cloth face mask is an added layer of protection that may help prevent asymptomatic (or presymptomatic) individuals from transmitting the virus to others in close proximity. New research also shows that a mask can protect the wearer from contracting the virus. The CDC is currently studying just how protective masks are for the person wearing one.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? When you have a mask on, you don’t have to stay at least 6 feet away from others.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "A face mask is not a substitute for all other preventive measures. Frequent handwashing and proper physical distancing — keeping a distance of at least 6 feet away from people not in your household — are still needed to slow the spread of the virus. A face mask is just “an extra layer” of protection that may help prevent respiratory droplets full of virus — produced when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes — from “traveling in the air and onto other people,” the CDC says.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? Children under the age of 2 and anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove the mask without assistance should not wear cloth face coverings.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Toddlers and babies should not wear cloth face coverings, the CDC says. The same goes for people who have trouble breathing or who are unconscious or incapacitated and cannot remove the mask themselves. Wearing masks may also be difficult for some people with sensory, cognitive or behavioral issues, the CDC notes.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? If you head to the pool or beach, you should wear a face mask — even in the water while you swim.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "It’s true that you should pack a face mask for a trip to the pool, beach or any public setting where it could be difficult to keep at least 6 feet away from others, but save the mask-wearing for when you’re outside the water. The best preventive action you can take in the water is to keep your distance from other swimmers and to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you get out (or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol if soap is not available).",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? Your face mask really needs to cover only your mouth. That’s where the virus enters and exits the body.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "The mouth is not the only part of the face that should be covered by a mask — the nose needs protection, too. Make sure both are fully covered, the CDC says. The fit should be snug, but you do not want to have any difficulty breathing while wearing the cloth face covering.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? There’s a proper way to remove a face mask.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "The CDC has specific guidance for removing your face mask. Only the ties or ear loops should be handled; then the outside corners of the mask should be folded together. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth when you remove your mask, the CDC says. And wash your hands immediately after removing.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? You should wash your cloth face covering often.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Face masks collect germs, so it’s important to wash your cloth face covering after each use. The CDC’s website has guidance for machine washing and washing masks by hand. The agency also has specific instructions for storing your mask.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? Wearing a face mask can give you carbon dioxide poisoning.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Wearing a mask, whether medical-grade or homemade, does not create an unhealthy buildup of carbon dioxide or negatively impact gas exchange. Keep in mind: Many doctors and construction workers wear masks for several hours a day and do so without harm. If you feel like your face covering restricts your breathing, test another material or style — there are lots of options to choose from. And of course, talk to your doctor with any coronavirus-related health concerns, including questions about masks.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
} ]

Quiz Progress

0 Correct

0 Incorrect