A mouth mask of the type worn by doctors and nurses to prevent the spread of bacteria from the wearer's mouth and nose. It is composed of a rectangular piece of cloth with several horizontal folds to allow it to stretch over the mouth and nose. This term refers to two similar types of medical masks, a procedure mask and surgical mask. Procedure masks may not be sterile and fasten by looping around the ears; used when carrying out general medical procedures like a check-up. Surgical masks are sterile and are fastened by bands that loop around the head; used when carrying out surgeries.
In Japan, it is common to wear a face mask whilst ill to avoid infecting others in public settings. During the coronavirus pandemic, it became common to wear masks worldwide.
They are also worn by delinquents, from school renegades to bousouzoku and the yakuza.
