The use of masks during COVID-19

Non-medical masks

Disposable Medical masks
 

Non-medical masks:

When worn properly, wearing a non-medical mask or face covering can help reduce the spread of infectious germs. Wearing a non-medical mask is recommended when it’s not possible to consistently maintain a a 2 metre physical distance from others, such as during a trip inside a grocery store or when riding public transit.

Tips for wearing a mask:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if proper handwashing facilities are unavailable, before and after handling mask.
• Ensure the mask is not damaged (no rips or holes on either side). If using a cloth mask, make sure it is clean and dry.
• Use ear loops to put on and remove mask. Ensure your hair is away from your face.
• For a mask to be effective, it must cover your nose and mouth fully.  If your mask must be adjusted, wash or sanitize your hands before and after.
• Do not share your mask with another person.
• Avoid touching and adjusting your mask once you are wearing it.
• Masks should be well-fitting, avoid masks that are too big, loose, or slip down easily.
• Change your mask if it becomes damaged, soiled or moist.
• Do not remove your mask to speak to someone.
• Disposable masks should have the coloured side outward, white side inward, nose piece upwards.
• Once on, do not remove your mask until you are finished needing it (for example, taking it off leaving the pharmacy and putting it on again entering a grocery store).
• Clean your fabric masks regularly, or when they become damp or soiled. Disposable masks should be thrown out after use.
• Whenever possible, still maintain physical distancing and hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Be aware of fraud and misinformation surrounding face masks.
• Follow your local health authority’s advice and municipal rules around mask wearing.

How to put on a mask

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if proper handwashing facilities are unavailable, before and after handling mask.
• Ensure the mask is not damaged (there are no tears rips or holes on either side).
• Hold mask by the ear loops or ties and secure snugly.
• If there is a nose piece, mold to fit the bridge of your nose.
• Make sure the mask is covering your nose, mouth and chin fully.

How to take off a mask:

• Wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer if proper handwashing facilities are unavailable.
• Grasps ear loops to remove, avoid touching the mask.
• Discard disposable masks, wash reusable ones.
• Wash your hands again after handling the mask.

Non-medical mask Proper material, structure and fit

Recommandations from Public Health Agency of Canada :
 
How well a mask or face covering works depends on the materials used, how the mask is made, and most importantly, how well it fits.

A mask or face covering can be homemade or purchased, and should:

• be made of at least 3 layers
  • 2 layers should be tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen
  • the third (middle) layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric
• be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping
• allow for easy breathing
• fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
• be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments
• be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty
• maintain its shape after washing and drying

Filters

Filters add an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 by trapping small infectious particles. Consider wearing a mask that includes a filter or filter material as one of its layers, such as:

• non-woven polypropylene fabric, which can be found as:
  • a craft fabric
  • the non-woven fabric that's used to make some reusable shopping bags
• a disposable filter inserted into a pocket on the mask

Reusable masks with a non-woven filter layer should be washed daily, and can be washed multiple times. Disposable filters should be changed daily or as directed by the manufacturer.

Learn more on homemade or purchased non-medical masks and face coverings Public Health Agency of Canada recommendations.
 

You can clean a reusable mask by:

• Putting it directly into the washing machine, using a hot cycle, and then dry thoroughly.
• Washing it thoroughly by hand if a washing machine is not available, using soap and warm/hot water.

Allow the mask to dry completely before wearing it again.

Disposable Medical masks:

In certain circumstances, like for healthcare workers and those delivering frontline care to COVID-19 patients, medical masks should be worn.

Tips for wearing a disposable medical mask:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if proper handwashing facilities are unavailable, before and after handling mask.
• Ensure the mask is not damaged (there are no tears rips or holes on either side).
• Coloured side outward, white side inward, nose piece upwards.
• Hold the mask by the ear loop, wrap behind ears and secure snugly. Ensure hair is away from your face.
• Fit mask to face, mold the adjustable band to bridge of your nose and pull the bottom of the mask to below your chin.
• For a mask to be effective, it must cover your nose and mouth fully. If your mask must be adjusted, wash or sanitize your hands before and after touching your mask.
• Always follow protocols in place for the use of medical masks and other personal protective equipment.

To remove your mask:

• Wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer if proper handwashing facilities are unavailable before and after handling mask.
• Grasps ear loops to remove, avoid touching the mask.
• Discard mask.
• Wash your hands again after handling the mask.

Read more tips and resources for COVID-19.