Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield has demonstrated how to put on a face mask on live television, admitting there was a bit of pressure to get the technique right in front of the nation.

"This is always a little dangerous, of course, to do in front of a live TV audience," Bloomfield joked as he gave instructions during the Government’s regular coronavirus update on Friday.

He emphasised keeping his hands away from his mouth and nose as he pulled the elastic straps over his ears.

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Ashley Bloomfield/ Twitter/Screenshot

Director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield took a selfie while wearing a mask last week.

He also had some advice for fellow glasses-wearers, pointing out pesky “fogging” can be prevented with tape across the top of the mask.

Under questioning from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Bloomfield explained his blue-and-white mask had been made by a family friend, and that he had also been sent one in the shape of a Tardis – a police box-shaped time machine from the science fiction TV series Doctor Who – by a member of the public.

The director-general of health earlier this month took up a World Health Organisation social media challenge to take a selfie while wearing a face mask.

The Government is strongly encouraging those in Auckland to wear face masks or face coverings while in public, following the reemergence on Covid-19 in the community.

At level 3, the Ministry of Health highly recommends people wear masks when they “cannot maintain physical distancing of more than two metres, such as on public transport, at work places or in shops”.

At alert level 2, the Government asks Kiwis to consider wearing a mask when you cannot maintain physical distance from people you don't know.

The Ministry of Health and many Kiwi health experts recommend households be prepared with a supply of masks.

Face masks can be either fabric reusable (washable), or a single use disposable face mask. These can be purchased online, from supermarkets or pharmacies or you can make your own fabric reusable ones. Face coverings, such as bandannas or scarves, can also be used if you do not have a mask.

The ministry recommends having about four reusable face masks per family member.

It also has detailed advice about how to put on a mask, what to do when wearing it and how to remove it:

How to safely put on a face mask:

1. Ensure your face mask is clean and dry and is not damaged.
2. Before putting on your face mask, clean your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser (containing at least 60 per cent alcohol). Ensure your hands are dry.
3. Place the face mask over your nose and mouth and secure with ties or loops. Make sure the mask fits snugly, moulded to your face and around your nose. Make sure the mask fully covers your nose, mouth and chin. Your mask should be comfortable, with no gaps around the mask and your face, and allow you to breathe easily.
4. Clean your hands again.

Source: Ministry of Health

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