MyMemeCards editorial team
In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “I don't know how to use a mask” is an epic card of the French Politics pack, number 44 of the collection, and the 19th best-known meme of its 127 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “I don't know how to use a mask” meme mean?
The expression satirizes the supposed incompetence of a political elite disconnected from daily realities. It expresses frustration over unclear health guidelines. The tone is sarcastic, criticizing official discourse deemed imprecise or insufficient for guiding the public in adopting essential barrier gestures.
Where does the “I don't know how to use a mask” meme come from?
The quote comes from an interview given by Sibeth Ndiaye, then French government spokesperson, to Jean-Jacques Bourdin. The broadcast aired on March 20, 2020, on BFMTV and RMC. Asked about the usefulness of masks during the Covid-19 pandemic, she stated: "I don't know how to use a mask." She added that their use required "precise technical gestures" and that improper handling could be counterproductive. This declaration reflected the official stance at the time, which recommended masks little for the general public, notably due to significant shortages. The sequence was widely shared and mocked on social media, becoming a symbol of the confusion surrounding initial health measures.
- March 20, 2020Sibeth Ndiaye utters the phrase during the interview with Jean-Jacques Bourdin on BFMTV and RMC.
How to use the “I don't know how to use a mask” meme
- Share the quote to criticize a displayed lack of competence by an official.
- Use it ironically when someone admits to ignoring a simple procedure.
- Quote it to highlight the gap between official discourse and ground reality.
Also searched as
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The “I don't know how to use a mask” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 044 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Epic |
| Collection | French Politics pack |
| Fame | 88/100 · #19 of 127 |
| Recycle value | 20 MemeCoins (60 in Shiny) |
How to get the “I don't know how to use a mask” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; I don't know how to use a mask comes out of the French Politics pack as an epic card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 20 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art 0.8%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “I don't know how to use a mask”
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Frequently asked questions
I don't know how to use a mask origin?
This expression comes from a statement by Sibeth Ndiaye, French government spokesperson, broadcast on March 20, 2020, on BFMTV. She was answering a question about the usefulness of masks during the pandemic.
Who is sibeth ndiaye?
Sibeth Ndiaye was the French government spokesperson under Édouard Philippe's mandate. She left her position in July 2020.
Why does sibeth ndiaye say she doesn't know how to use a mask?
She explained that using a mask required precise technical gestures and could be counterproductive if used incorrectly, reflecting the government's position at the time.
What is the meme I don't know how to use a mask?
It is an ironic meme that repeats her statement to mock supposed incompetence or the lack of clarity in official health guidelines.
How do I get the I don't know how to use a mask meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “I don't know how to use a mask” is an epic card of the French Politics pack. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the I don't know how to use a mask card?
It is an Epic card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Prononcé le 20 mars 2020 - Sibeth Ndiaye 20032020 ... · Sibeth Ndiaye sur les masques : "A aucun moment, on ne m'a demandé de mentir" · Enseignants, masques, Italie... les faux pas à répétition de Sibeth Ndiaye · checked on October 8, 2026.
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Want I don't know how to use a mask in your collection?
Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.